Qualitative Methods

Design Your Study

Step Three: Ethical Issues of Confidentiality and Protection of Human Subjects

All research falls under the federal guidelines for the protection of human subjects. Most organizations have an IRB (Internal Review Board) to ensure compliance. Specific guidelines for UH students and faculty can be found at: http://www.research.uh.edu/OCG/Preaward/CPHS/CPHS2.html

Most disciplinary organizations also have guidelines for their members. For example, the American Sociological Association offers a thorough "Code of Ethics" with regard to informed consent of human subjects.

The key principles of ethical research are:

• Research should not harm respondents.
• Participation in research must be voluntary, and therefore respondents must give their informed consent to participate.
• Researchers must disclose their identity and affiliations
• Anonymity or confidentiality must be maintained for respondents unless explicitly and voluntarily waived.
• The benefits of a research project should outweigh any foreseeable risks.

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