Task 5D - Ethical dimensions for my proposed Inquiry

This evening I managed to meet up with a member of one of my Sig groups in which we discussed the ethical dimensions of our proposed inquiry. Moreover looked in depth how we plan and prepare in order to be ethical while conducting the inquiry. 

A main aspect of our conversations revolved around the ethics of taking and storing data for professional inquires. We came up with the following points so that our data is collected and analysed in an 'ethically sound' way. 

Before we discussed the following points ethics used to be part of my everyday life with out realising it, however I have now come to understand in order to have an ethically sound Inquiry we must them at the forefront of our minds, as we don't only have ourselves to protect we are also protecting others. 

• If conducting an interview at the beginning you should tell the participant if they feel uncomfortable they can stop the interview at anytime. Also reassure them that they are under no pressure to complete or take part in the interview process.

• Agree with the interview participants that the data will be anonymous - I feel this is especially important in an interview situation as it means the participant will feel fully relaxed and answer questions more honestly if they know that they won't be named. Therefor in my inquires I may use X, Y or Z instead of their names. Perhaps with the focus groups as its an open discussion we may use names but only with the full written consent of those involved. All of which will be made fully aware of the intent to use the information given. 

• Make sure a consent form is signed by all participants making sure all the data is ethically available to use.

• Create a way to ensure that data is stored securely whether it is physical (for example locked in a filing cabinet) or online (safeguard documents so they are only accessible with a password, which only you have access to.)

• Only use the data collected for the purpose of the inquiry. 

• If your study involves under 18's it is critical to get the consent of a parent of guardian. (my inquiry will probably not need this ethical boundary but it was an important one we touched upon this evening)

• Ask questions which a relevant to your inquiry. Don't steer off the subject. For example it is not relevant in my Inquiry to know the sexuality of my participants therefore i will not ask them. How ever it is relevant to my inquiry where people live, as I feel there may be a link to those actively continuing training and searching for work while based in london are getting more jobs than those who live say back at home in the likes of Liverpool. 

• Before starting the data collecting process establish that everyone involved understands the objectives you have for the Inquiry. It is important that they know the purpose behind the inquiry and what you wish to achieve by doing it. 

• Destroy all the data once you have finished with it. As it no longer has a purpose. 

These are just the main points we touched upon this evening ethics is such a lengthy subject you could talk all day but I personally felt these were some of the best points that I wanted to share with you.

I would be interested to see what you all think about these ethical dimensions. I will also be looking out for other blogs on Task 5D so we can discuss different ideas and ethical principles.