Research Integrity

Experienced researchers recognize that ethical considerations impact every stage of the research
design process, from topic selection and research method, to the development of a sampling and
recruitment strategy, to the establishment of a plan to analyze and manage data. You must
carefully consider how to protect participants, manage potential conflicts of interest, protect the
integrity of research data, and ensure the responsible and ethical conduct of research. You must
converse with mentors and colleagues since ethical considerations require critical thinking and
careful decision-making.
Ethical decision-making must be practiced every day, not only when faced with major moral
dilemmas. Consider the following situations and how you might handle them:
You are having a very hard time recruiting participants to interview for your study. Several
individuals have indicated an eagerness to participate, but they do not meet the inclusion
criteria. In fact, one individual falls into a category that has been excluded due to potential
vulnerability.
A principal at the school where you are conducting your research contacts you and requests a
copy of the dissertation chapter you are currently working on. She is appearing before the school
board next week and believes that your research will help inform her presentation. This is an
exciting opportunity to share your work and make an impact, but you are not yet confident about
the accuracy of your data analysis. In fact, you had hoped to perform a secondary analysis of
the data to confirm its validity.
A research site has provided start-up funds for your program, but to secure continued funding
you must provide data to show it has been effective in achieving its intended outcome. So far the
data has suggested the program is not having much of an impact, but you believe it will be
effective over time.
You have been working closely with a community organization in planning your research, and a
key stakeholder has arranged a time for you to meet with potential participants to share
information about your study and begin recruitment. It would be inconvenient for them to
reschedule. Unfortunately, youve just learned that you need to make a few minor revisions to
your study before obtaining IRB approval.
A dissertation learner asks for your advice. She conducted a focus group and had intended to
report only aggregate data, but the focus group provided a wealth of fascinating anecdotal
information and she wants to include several direct quotes. She wonders if she can do so.
A director at your organization has been very supportive of your dissertation process and has
asked you to consider conducting action research that he believes will help the organization
achieve important outcomes. You believe the work is important, but are concerned about how

you will manage the potential conflict of interest in conducting research within your own
organization and also about the bias you might bring to the topic.
Each situation requires critical thinking, careful decision-making, and a plan to ensure the
integrity of the research. Poor decision making can impact research results, participants, and
communities and organizations involved in the study. Embracing responsible practices can
position you for success while ensuring the integrity of the research and the protection of those
involved in the study.