Qualitative research at the crossroads of open science and big data: Ethical considerations

Abstract

AbstractOpen science practices are quickly being scaled up with publishers, grant‐makers, and Institutional Review Boards implementing new open policies, including requirements for increased data sharing across all types of research. Prior open science guidelines have focused mostly on issues relevant to quantitative, lab‐based, experimental research. Qualitative and other research traditions must be considered in the further development and implementation of these guidelines to ensure ethical practices in a new era where data is plentiful and being leveraged for research and other means. This article includes a discussion of why we must consider new research ethics in this era of big data and what steps can be taken to improve research practices through a systems change framework, The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.