Microsoft Word research method fm doc

principles, ethical rules, and also scientific criteria
. The latter is often neglected but is 
important since if a study is poor or the sample size insufficient then the study is not capable 
of demonstrating anything and consequently could be regarded as unethical.  
 
Ethical principles 
 
Autonomy- we ought to respect the right to self-determination 
In research autonomy is protected by ensuring that any consent to participate in the study is 
informed or real. This means it is not enough to explain something about your project to a 
particular subject, it is the understanding and free choice whether or not to participate that is 
the key issue. There must be no coercion of any sort. 

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Research methodology 
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Non-Maleficence- we ought not to inflict evil or harm 
This principle states that we may not inflict harm on or expose people to unnecessary risk as 
a result of our research project. This is particularly important if our subjects may not be 
competent in some way, such as, the ability to give informed consent. 
Beneficence – we ought to further others’ legitimate interests 
This is the principle that obliges us to take positive steps to help others pursue their interests. 
These interests clearly have to be legitimate.
Justice-we ought to ensure fair entitlement to resources 
This principle is concerned with people receiving their due. This means people should be 
treated equally in every way since not all people are equally competent or equally healthy.
 
Ethical rules 
The ethical rules of research, like principles, are not absolute in that one may override 
another although clearly this must be justified. These rules are essential for the development 
of trust between researchers and study participants. Like the ethical principles on which the 
rules are based, there are four: 
Veracity 
All subjects in any research project should always be told the truth. There is no justification 
for lying, but this is not the same non-disclosure of information should it, in particular, 
invalidate the research.