Topic 4: Ethical Research Processes

Specific Learning Outcome
By the end of this topic you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of Ethical Research Processes.

Introduction
Ethical considerations are of crucial importance in your research study. It is necessary to first understand what ethics entail and how these are applied in ODeL research.

Guidance
To begin, watch the public documentary on the history of research ethics below. Once you have finished watching the video, click on the link and read What is ethics in research and why is it important? (Resnik, 2015) and then engage with the remainder of the contents in the resources. Thereafter, complete the learning activities as well as the self-assessment for Unit 2 (Quiz 2).

Time needed
You'll need approximately 2.3 hours to engage with the content in this topic.

Resources

 * A public documentary of the history of research ethics (Video - 23m16s) https://youtu.be/9zfrpFwIwug
 * What is ethics in research and why is it important? (External website) (Resnik, 2015)
 * The Role, Remit and Function of the Research Ethics Committee: Collective Decision-Making and Research Ethics Committees (PDF - 150KB)
 * Fostering Research Integrity through Institutional Policies: The case of a selected institution of Higher Education (PDF - 319KB)

Learning Activities
Activity 2.4.1 : In about 1000 words, explain what the Nuremberg code is and what led up to it.

Activity 2.4.2 : Critically analyse your research study provided in terms of research ethics.

Click here to complete Unit 2's Quiz

Once you have completed the two learning activities and the quiz, kindly move onto Unit 3: Research designs and methodologies.