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PNG0077

Research Ethics for Qualitative Methods

This course offers an introduction to research ethics for research using qualitative methods such as interviews, participant observations, action research and archival work. In addition to the usual issues of research integrity, such methods pose additional problems, many of them which have are related to interaction with research persons and communities. Such interaction, from planning of research to dissemination of results, can have unforeseen consequences. In addition, to conduct participant observation or action research is often in itself an ethical commitment, expressed as a desire to induce change, which brings a necessity to reflect on ethical premises. This course covers among other things:
- The researcher’s professional ethics and its theoretical underpinnings
- Research misconduct in qualitative research
- Legal aspects of research involving humans
- Informed consent in qualitative research
- Dual-use knowledge - research that can be used and abused for purposes violence

PNG0077 Research Ethics for Qualitative Methods, 5.0 Credits

Syllabus approved

2018-09-05

Subjects

Other Social Science

Education cycle

No Level Indicated

Grading scale

Pass / Failed The requirements for attaining different grades are described in the course assessment criteria which are contained in a supplement to the course syllabus. Current information on assessment criteria shall be made available at the start of the course.

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Accepted as a PhD student in a social science/transdisciplinary subject

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to:
- Describe and discuss the contents of some codes of conduct that are relevant for qualitative research and discuss their ethical underpinning
- Describe some differences between quantitative and qualitative methods from an ethical point of view
- Identify research ethics issues in one’s own and others’ qualitative research, from planning to dissemination of results
- Identify cases of scientific misconduct in qualitative research and suggest strategies for dealing with suspected cases
- Describe and discuss a concrete ethical problem of relevance for one’s qualitative research and present a well-argued ethical assessment of the problem.

Content

This course offers an introduction to research ethics for research using qualitative methods such as interviews, participant observations, action research and archival work. In addition to the usual issues of research integrity, such methods pose additional problems, many of them which have are related to interaction with research persons and communities. Such interaction, from planning of research to dissemination of results, can have unforeseen consequences. In addition, to conduct participant observation or action research is often in itself an ethical commitment, expressed as a desire to induce change, which brings a necessity to reflect on ethical premises. This course covers among other things:
- The researcher’s professional ethics and its theoretical underpinnings
- Research misconduct in qualitative research
- Legal aspects of research involving humans
- Informed consent in qualitative research
- Dual-use knowledge - research that can be used and abused for purposes violence

Formats and requirements for examination

Written and oral assignments and active participation in seminars. For 3 credits the examination will consist of short written assignments in relation to specific issues raised in seminars. In addition, for 5 credits a concluding course paper is handed in.

Additional information

The course is organised by the research school Society and Landscape at the Department of Urban and Rural Development.

Responsible department

Department of Urban and Rural Development