Ethics

• Informed consent


  Research participants should be offered the right to refuse to take part. The researcher should tell them about all relevant aspects of the research so they can make an informed decision. Consent should be obtained before the research begins.
• Confidentiality and privacy


  Researchers should keep the identity and personal details of the participant confidential in order to help prevent possible negative effects on them.
• Protection from harm


  Researchers need to be aware of possible negative effects on participants, such as police intervention, harm to education or employment, social exclusion and psychological damage. If someone is asked to talk about a sensitive event in their life, such as abuse or rape, they may also find this upsetting.
• Deception in covert research


  This is when the researcher's identity and purpose are hidden from the people being studied. It can create serious ethical problems, such as lying to people to win their trust. It is impossible to gain informed consent when you are using this method. Anthropologists do not use covert observation during research; however, some argue using covert methods is justified in some circumstances.
• Involvement in illegal acts/danger


  If the researcher is investigating a deviant gang or group, for example, they may have to be seen to condone or take part in illegal behaviour. They may also be in danger, particularly if the gang members feel they are being deceived.