Research Methods in Computing

and Technology
CT098-3.5-2

Ethics in Research

Topic and structure of the lesson

Ethics in research
The Law and research Nuremberg Code
Rights of people directly involved
Responsibilities of an ethical researcher

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Slide 2 (of 20)

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, you should be
able to:
Understand the meaning of ethics.
Explain the goal of ethics in research.
Know guidelines for ethical treatment of participants
in any research work.
Explain types of academic fraud.
Apply personal self-regulation in academic ethical
scenarios.
To know the researchers code of conduct
CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Slide 3 (of 20)

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Goal of Ethics in Research

Ethics are norms or standards of behavior
that guide our behavior and our
relationships with others (Cooper and
Schindler 2003)
The goal of ethics in research is to ensure
that no one is harmed or suffers adverse
consequences from research activities.

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Ethics in Research
Subjects Rights
- To choose whether or not to participate
. Awareness of this right
. Adequate knowledge of the research
in order to make an informed choice /
decision
. Awareness of opportunity to end
participation
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Ethics in Research
Subjects Rights (cont.)
- To not receive physical or psychological
harm, including stress or deception
- To not be denied beneficial treatment
- To privacy (anonymity of results)
- To be informed of the research results
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Academic Fraud
Fabrication
- the actual making up of research data
and (the intent of) publishing them
Falsification
- manipulation of research data
- omitting critical data or results

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Slide 7 (of 11)

Academic Fraud (cont.)

Plagiarism
- the act of taking credit (or attempting to
take credit) for the work of another
Lets look at plagiarism in-depth

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Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the use of another persons
work (this could be his or her words,
products or ideas) for personal advantage,
without proper acknowledgement of the
original work.
Plagiarism may occur deliberately (with
the intention to deceive) or accidentally
(due to poor referencing).
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Plagiarism (cont.)
It encompasses copying material from any
published sources
Including, copying and pasting information
from the World Wide Web
Or, receiving help from unauthorized
sources on coursework.
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Importance of Research Ethics

Case Study 1:
Go to the hyperlink below:
http://www.unmc.edu/ethics/data/darsee.htm
The Darsee Case

After reading this case, please discuss on the

implications and importance of research ethics.
Case study 2:
McShane &Von Glinow (2003). Organizational
Behaviour, McGraw-Hill Irwin, Boston p374
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Importance of Research Ethics

Code of Ethics for Academia and
Research (extracts)
Honesty:
Strive for honesty in all scientific communications.
Honestly report data, results, methods and
procedures, and publication status.
Do not fabricate, falsify, or misrepresent data.
Do not deceive colleagues, granting agencies, or
the public.

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Importance of Research Ethics

Code of Ethics for Academia and
Research (extracts)
Objectivity:
Strive to avoid bias in experimental design, data
analysis, data interpretation, peer review,
personnel decisions, grant writing, expert
testimony, and other aspects of research where
objectivity is expected or required.
Avoid or minimize bias or self-deception.
Disclose personal or financial interests that may
affect research.
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Importance of Research Ethics

Integrity:
Keep your promises and agreements.
Act with sincerity.
Strive for consistency of thought and action.

Carefulness:
Avoid careless errors and negligence
Carefully and critically examine your own work and
the work of your peers.
Keep good records of research activities, such as
data collection, research design, and
correspondence with agencies or journals.
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Importance of Research Ethics

Openness:
Share data, results, ideas, tools, resources.
Be open to criticism and new ideas.

Respect for Intellectual Property:

Honour patents, copyrights, and other forms of
intellectual property.
Do not use unpublished data, methods, or results
without permission.
Give credit where credit is due. Give proper
acknowledgement or credit for all contributions to
research.
Never plagiarize.
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Importance of Research Ethics

Confidentiality:
Protect confidential communications, such as
papers or grants submitted for publication,
personnel records, trade or military secrets, and
patient records.

Responsible Publication:
Publish in order to advance research and
scholarship, not to advance just your own career.
Avoid wasteful and duplicative publication.

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Importance of Research Ethics

Responsible Mentoring:
Help to educate, mentor, and advise students.
Promote their welfare and allow them to make their
own judgments

Source:
http://www4.ncsu.edu:8030/~nkriesb/rcr_in
tro.htm

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Review Questions
What is the main goal of ethics in
Research?
What are the rights of subjects /
participants involved in research?
Identify some actions which constitute
academic fraud.

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Question and Answer Session

Q&A
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