Survey Research Ethics: Principles & Best Practices
Ethical research protects participants, maintains public trust, and produces credible findings. Understanding ethical principles is essential for all research practitioners.
Key Takeaways
- •Informed consent means participants understand what they're agreeing to
- •Protect privacy and keep data secure
- •Minimize burden on respondents
- •Report findings honestly, including limitations
- •Consider the impact of how research might be used
Core Ethical Principles
Respect for persons (honor autonomy, protect vulnerable). Beneficence (maximize benefits, minimize harms). Justice (fair distribution). Honesty (truthful representation).
Informed Consent
Participants should know: purpose, what participation involves, how data will be used/protected, that participation is voluntary, how to withdraw.
Privacy and Data Protection
Collect minimum necessary. Store securely. Anonymize when possible. Limit access. Have retention and destruction policies. Comply with regulations (GDPR, CCPA).
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