Research Ethics

The impact of research on educational systems is important. Hence, a researcher must follow an ethical code of behaviour. The following are some ethical considerations:

ETHICS OF RESEARCH

• The information acquired from the respondents should be kept strictly confidential by the researcher.
• Without the consent of the respondents, the researcher should not utilise hidden cameras, microphones, tape-recorders, or observers. Likewise, private correspondence should not be used without the consent of the respondent.
• When volunteers participate as subjects in an experimental study, the researcher should thoroughly explain the procedures (e.g., the experiment will last six months), as well as the risks involved and the demands that he or she will make on the study participants (e.g., the subjects will be required to stay back for one hour after school hours, etc.).
• Parents' or guardians' consent should be secured when dealing with school children (minors) or mentally challenged students. A research project's informed consent is a critical component. It gives participants enough information to make an informed, voluntary, and rational decision about whether or not to participate in a study. Informed consent lays forth the goal of the study, how long it will last, the procedures involved, and who to contact with queries, to name a few points.The researcher must acknowledge that the subjects have the right to refuse to participate or withdraw from the study at any time.
• In an experimental study that may have a temporary or permanent effect on the subjects, the researcher must take all precautions to protect the subjects from mental and physical harm, danger, and stress. 
• The researcher should make his or her data publicly available for peer review.
• If the respondents/subjects/participants request it, the explanations for the experimental procedures as well as the study's findings should be shared.
• All people who assisted the researcher with the research technique, tool construction, data collecting, data analysis, or the development of the research report should be given fair credit. If the researcher has made any promises to the participants, they must be honoured and fulfilled.