Ethics in Social Science Research
FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES
2011/2012 SESSION
SEMESTER 2
AUEA 1105 :
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
QUESTION:
5: WHY IS ETHICS IMPORTANT IN SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH?
INTRODUCTION
Study in research methodology will educate students how to identify the basic methods of conducting research especially in social science field. This subject also give knowledge on how to identify a research problem, how to apply the methods and skills to carry out a systematic research. Through this subject, the student will know how to analyze the data, and translating research findings into academic writing.
However in order to have a good research paper, we should not just focus on the elements above. The characteristics of a good research paper in social science are defined as characteristics based on scientific principles and also ethics. The scientific characteristics are an explanation, prediction, pattern, repetition, replication and quantification. In addition, general characteristics such as objectivity, legality is also important for research. All good research paper must have adhere values or code of ethics. The ethics is very important in social science research.
But before we move on to the importance of ethics in social science research, it is much better if we can understand what a research is actually, what the ethics is and what means by ethics in research. Then, we will see why ethics is important in research.
WHAT IS RESEARCH?
Oxford Compact English Dictionary defines research as “the systematic investigation into and study of materials, and sources, in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions”. (ODEC, 1996). While Graziano and Raulin (1996) define research more simply as a systematic search for information as well as a research process.
Brew (2001) even has listed several definitions to be in accordance with the purpose of research itself. First,
DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES
2011/2012 SESSION
SEMESTER 2
AUEA 1105 :
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
QUESTION:
5: WHY IS ETHICS IMPORTANT IN SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH?
INTRODUCTION
Study in research methodology will educate students how to identify the basic methods of conducting research especially in social science field. This subject also give knowledge on how to identify a research problem, how to apply the methods and skills to carry out a systematic research. Through this subject, the student will know how to analyze the data, and translating research findings into academic writing.
However in order to have a good research paper, we should not just focus on the elements above. The characteristics of a good research paper in social science are defined as characteristics based on scientific principles and also ethics. The scientific characteristics are an explanation, prediction, pattern, repetition, replication and quantification. In addition, general characteristics such as objectivity, legality is also important for research. All good research paper must have adhere values or code of ethics. The ethics is very important in social science research.
But before we move on to the importance of ethics in social science research, it is much better if we can understand what a research is actually, what the ethics is and what means by ethics in research. Then, we will see why ethics is important in research.
WHAT IS RESEARCH?
Oxford Compact English Dictionary defines research as “the systematic investigation into and study of materials, and sources, in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions”. (ODEC, 1996). While Graziano and Raulin (1996) define research more simply as a systematic search for information as well as a research process.
Brew (2001) even has listed several definitions to be in accordance with the purpose of research itself. First,
Bibliography: Chris MacDonald, and Nancy Walton. Research Ethics in the Social Sciences and Humanities: Overview. Retrieved from http://www.researchethics.ca/social-science-humanities.htm. Resnik, D.B., What is Ethics in Research & Why is it Important? National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Retrieved from: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis/ William M.K. Troohim. (2006, October 20) Ethics in Research. Research Methods Knowledge Base. Retrieved from http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/ethics.php. Walliman, Nicholas. (2005). Your Research Project: A step-by-step Guide for the First Time Researcher. London: Sage Publications.