SOCI1513 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Informed Consent
Document Summary
Ethical considerations are of particular importance to sociologists because sociologists study people. Thus, sociologists must adhere to a rigorous code of ethics. In the context of sociological research, a code of ethics refers to formal guidelines for conducting research, consisting of principles and ethical standards concerning the treatment of human individuals. The most important ethical consideration in sociological research is that participants in a sociological investigation are not harmed in any way. Exactly what this entails can vary from study to study, but there are several universally recognized considerations. Research on children and youth always requires parental consent. All sociological research requiresinformed consent, and participants are never coerced into participation. Participants are also told that they may stop their participation in the study at any time. Sociologists must follow strict ethical guidelines, especially when working with children or other vulnerable populations.
