Assignment task:
Your final assignment of the course is a reflection. The reflection will be visible only to the instructor. Researchers not only have to design a study that is ethical but they must hold themselves ethically accountable. One way for researchers to check their own ethical standards is to continually self-reflect during the entire study process.
To that end, you will write about your role as a researcher and any issues (personal or professional) that you should consider before/during/after conducting research. Discuss some of the personal as well as professional issues that may inhibit your ability to act as a neutral researcher. Consider any prejudices and biases you may have, or stereotypes you may hold about certain populations, cultures, communities, etc.
Some questions to consider when formulating your answer:
- What are the primary obligations of a researcher?
- Is it to answer the research question?
- Protect study subjects?
- Find grants?
- Do you have personal or professional issues that may impact your ability to conduct research in the most authentic way?
- Do you have certain biases, prejudices, or stereotypes about the participants in your study? The way you think about others may influence the way you design your study.
- Do you have a preconceived notion of what the study result should be? Meaning that, do you want a certain answer to come from this study?