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Public Health Workforce Training
Link to beginning section of Introduction to Qualitative Research

Ethical Considerations

Jonathan asks Maxine if, given the level of interaction with participants, special or specific ethical considerations exist for qualitative researchers. Maxine explains that maintaining strong ethics are essential to qualitative research, precisely because of the interaction and relationship between the researcher and the participants.

Ethics “is a set of moral principles that aim to prevent research participants from being harmed by the researcher and the research process,” (Liamputtong 32). In this definition, the term ‘research participants’ refers to human subjects. A human subject is a “living individual about whom an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research obtains data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or identifiable private information.” Private information includes first and last name, address, email, phone number, social security number, etc.

In qualitative research, potential ethical conflicts can arise at any time during a study. For example, a researcher may encounter conflicts in gaining access to a community or group, find that his or her presence is impacting participants behaviors or responses, or unintentionally inject biases or subjective interpretation into the data.

Here are some tips to avoid ethical problems or conflicts during a qualitative research study:

Before Data Collection:

  • Train staff in Good Clinical Practices and HIPAA guidelines
  • Never leave phone messages for participants without permission
  • Never reveal purpose of study to another party
  • Seek IRB permissions or waivers, as appropriate

During Data Collection:

  • Conduct interviews in private offices
  • Obtain informed consent
  • Do not link names or other personal identifiers to data collection instrument
  • Keep study data in locked cabinet and/or password protect computer files

After Data Collection:

  • Debrief with study staff regularly to keep track of data storage and analysis procedures
  • Destroy all participants’ private information after data is collected
  • Destroy study data after 3-5 years