Ethics in work-based research
Ethics is a very significant issue and is addressed throughout the Level 3 project (undergraduate dissertation). On first glance, students sometimes think this means repeating the same discussion in different modules, but that would not show development of understanding of the many issues in research ethics. The following strategies can be considered:
- Introduce an aspect in one module, develop it further in other modules by exploring more literature on concepts and theories in Ethics.
- Relate reading on Ethics to different aspects, developing understanding of the different module topics and learning outcomes.
- Consider using different genres to explore Ethics from alternative positions. What would be the best way to explain the ethics of the project to a manager, colleague or other stakeholders?
Students are asked to demonstrate:
- Wide reading: use sources that are academic and relevant to the project.
- A critical approach: compare and contrast theories and come to conclusions having discussed them.
A video from Santa Clara University that introduces different aspects of ethics in work settings is available at:
