People Studying People: Research Ethics in Society

Online Course

Future Learn
People Studying People: Research Ethics in Society

What is the course about?

People Studying People: Research Ethics in Society
The course People Studying People: Research Ethics in Society is an online class provided by University of Leicester through Future Learn. It may be possible to receive a verified certification or use the course to prepare for a degree.

Explore the value of ethical thinking for research, using an ethical appraisal framework to develop and evaluate studies.

Course description
  • What is ethical research?
  • 6 weeks
  • If we consider data collection and its reporting to make up research, then we will all have been exposed to being participants in some form of social research. Data collection from people in society is now part of everyday life. Ethical research demands that respect is afforded to the rights and dignity of human participants. Studies need to be designed to be worthwhile and any potential harm anticipated and minimised. Ethical research requires thinking carefully about what constitutes participation in research and the responsibilities of researchers not only to participants, but also to all those affected by a study.
  • Use an ethical appraisal framework to develop and assess research proposals
  • On this free online course you will be supported in reflecting on the value of ethical thinking for research and discover an ethical appraisal framework that you can apply to empirical research projects in social science, arts, education and the humanities. The course is designed to offer insights for both researchers and potential participants.
  • What you will study
  • The course starts by exploring what ethics is and why it is important to research through a consideration of examples of studies which can be challenged in terms of their ethicality. In Weeks 2 through to 4 we will use an ethical appraisal framework to illustrate ways of thinking about the ethical implications of designing a study and recruiting participants, taking into consideration different stakeholder perspectives. In Week 5 you will be able to apply the insights gained to a draft research proposal through a role play activity. To conclude, in Week 6, we will reflect on how it is important to show integrity as a researcher whilst conducting and reporting studies. This will include thinking about what might go wrong in a study and how these issues might be anticipated.
  • Get guidance on ethical social science research from the University of Leicester
  • This course has been developed by members of the University of Leicester College of Social Science, Arts and Humanities and is supported by an extensive set of resources for researchers on a website entitled Doing Ethical Research.
  • The importance of ethical thinking to studying society
  • What constitutes unethical research
  • What makes research worthwhile
  • What a researcher can do to maximise the benefits of a study
  • What is responsible research
  • Which legislation and regulations researchers should consider
  • What is respectful research
  • Showing sensitivity, empathy and protecting vulnerable groups in research
  • Ethical issues associated with ‘insider’ and ‘outsider’ researcher roles
  • How researchers can feel confident that they are ‘doing the right thing’
  • Maintaining ethicality during fieldwork
  • Maintaining ethicality when reporting and disseminating
  • Reflect on the value of thinking ethically about social science research
  • Apply consequential principles of ethical thinking to identifying a research focus
  • Identify the range of responsibilities of a social science researcher
  • Explore approaches to developing respectful research relationships
  • Apply deontological principles of ethical thinking to meeting researcher obligations
  • Develop informed decisions about what constitutes ethical social science research
  • This course is designed for current or aspiring researchers in Social Science, Arts or the Humanities. You may have a research project in mind or one that is underway. It would also suit those with broader interests in evaluating research involving human participants, including those as potential participants.
  • University of Leicester
  • The University of Leicester is a leading research led university with a strong tradition of excellence in teaching. It is consistently ranked amongst the top 20 universities in the United Kingdom.

Prerequisites & Facts

People Studying People: Research Ethics in Society

Course Topic

Study Skills

University, College, Institution

University of Leicester

Course Skill Level

Course Language

English

Place of class

Online, self-paced (see curriculum for more information)

Degree

Certificate

Degree & Cost

People Studying People: Research Ethics in Society

To obtain a verified certificate from Future Learn / University of Leicester you have to finish this course or the latest version of it, if there is a new edition. The class may be free of charge, but there could be some cost to receive a verified certificate or to access the learning materials. The specifics of the course may have been changed, please consult the provider to get the latest quotes and news.
University of Leicester
People Studying People: Research Ethics in Society
provided by Future Learn

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School: University of Leicester
Topic: Study Skills