Ethical issues for nursing research: A methodological focus

Abstract

The issues of ethics in research are often portrayed as taken for granted and the same regardless of the research approach adopted. A critique of the considerations within different methodologies shows that while there tends to be a cornmonality of principles, their translation into practice is diverse. In addition, it can be argued that an unquestioning following of the often stated ethical maxims is neither necessarily appropriate nor desirable with different research designs. This paper examines both the shared and distinctive ethical features which are pertinent to different methodologies. If focuses especially on the key facets of the hitherto dominance of the medical model in research and its implications, the challenge to research orientations where there is a need for the researcher to control the research situation, concerns about deception in research and the call for anonymity and confidentiality. Conclusions are drawn which aim to put into perspective the 'received wisdom' of adherence to 'accepted' and universal ethical principles. [ NT Research 1996; 1: 3, 175-183]