Compared to other types of research (e.g. medical, psychological), educational research may seem to have fewer risks to participants. However, within educational research it is important that we protect the privacy, mental health, and dignity of our participants. Additionally, educational research often studies minors. This requires researchers to consider both the consent of a parent/guardian and the assent of a minor.
Let’s discuss the ways that research ethics govern our behavioral as educational researchers.
The following questions may help you formulate your initial post in this discussion board, but you may also address other thoughts you’ve had as you have completed this module and engage with your peers. You don’t need to answer all of these questions, but should use some of them to guide your response:
-When and why might the use of deception be permissible in educational research?
-When dealing with a sensitive topic with minor participants (for example, mental health concerns, sexuality, etc.), what considerations should researchers take to respect both the privacy and the health of participants?
-What things might be important for you to keep in mind regarding research ethics within your specific population (e.g. elementary vs. middle grades vs. secondary, teachers, etc.)?
-In our increasingly digital world, what ethical issues might come up when conducting research over the internet?
-In education research, we may be interested in tracking participant’s growth or change over time (often called Longitudinal data). How can we protect privacy and confidentiality of data while also ensuring we can track the same participant over multiple time points?
-How important is it to continually get consent for participation over multiple time points?
-How can we appropriately balance an incentive for participating in our research (e.g. receiving payment/compensation) with making sure participants aren’t coerced into participating?
*You are not limited to the attached resource
*Textbook: Educational Research-Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Approach 7th Edition (I will have the book 6/10/22) If you need access please let me know
Chapter 1: Introduction to Educational Research
Chapter 2: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Research
Chapter 6: Research Ethics
