What It Is

Research ethics refers to the moral principles and professional standards that guide researchers to ensure honesty, fairness, and respect in their work. It protects participants, maintains public trust, and ensures valid and reliable results.

Why It Matters

Unethical practices like plagiarism, data fabrication, or lack of informed consent can damage reputations, waste resources, and harm participants. Ethical research maintains credibility and contributes positively to scientific progress.

Key Aspects

• Informed Consent: Ensuring participants know what the research involves before agreeing.

• Confidentiality: Protecting personal or sensitive information.

• Avoiding Misconduct: No falsification or manipulation of data.

• Transparency: Clear reporting of methods and results.

Examples

• A clinical trial obtaining written informed consent from patients before testing a new drug.

• A researcher using proper citation to credit previous studies and avoid plagiarism.

• A social science study keeping survey responses anonymous to protect participants’ privacy.