Question

Describe 2 issues of ethical research.

Answer 1

Like in many other fields, ethics are an integral part of research. The person conducting the research must keep these ethics in mind and not go against them. Ethics draw the line between what is right and wrong in any given situation. Research in general and scientific research in particular, should be conducted keeping ethics and ethical conduct in mind. However, this fine line between right and wrong can easily be crossed if the researcher strays from the ethical path. Let us now discuss 2 issues that one may face, when they set out to conduct an ethical research.

1. One major ethical issue in research is that of plagiarism. It is highly unethical to plagiarize i.e. to copy the work done by someone else and pass it off one's own original work. Such practices are also liable to punishment under sections of violation of intellectual property. This issue of plagiarism has been seen multiple times in the field of research. A researcher must always produce an original work complete with citations and references.
2. Another ethical issue in research can be that of veracity and honesty. Whatever is presented in the research and even what is said and done during the process of the research must be true. The researcher cannot lie to people and neither can she or he fabricate facts and present them in their research.

Ethics are the moral guiding principles that a researcher should always keep in mind. Researchers should always take account of their responsibility and stay true to the ethics established in their field. If they fail to do so, they may be discredited, punished legally and lose all credibility.