MODULE WEEK NO.
6
INITAO College
University Jampason, Initao, Misamis Oriental
Logo
College of Hospitality Management
HPC 10: Research in Hospitality 1
2nd Semester of A.Y. 2024-2025
Introduction
This module will discuss the Ethical Guidelines and Considerations in
Research which students can be guided in writing their paper. Research, as
a scientific activity, always calls for the involvement of human beings-the
researcher and the participants. Because of this, it behooves the researcher
to observe ethical practices in his relationship with others, especially with
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the research participants. Respect for the rights and values of others are
very essential; hence this module on ethical considerations and guidelines is
deemed as an important aspect of research.
Rationale
Ethical considerations can be specified as one of the most important parts of
the research. A research participant should not be subjected to harm in any
ways whatsoever. Respect for the dignity of research participants should be
prioritized. Full consent should be obtained from the participants prior to the
study.
Intended Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, students are expected to:
A. Explain the relationship between ethics and morality and the researcher's
ethical responsibility when doing research.
B. Analyze their own practices while doing research, and express their realizations.
C. Demonstrate full understanding of ethical norms and guidelines through correct
application of concepts in given exercises.
Activity
1. Interactive and thorough discussions on the topic.
2. Exercises to enhance the learning of the students.
3. At home Activity that will practice the knowledge that the students
acquired through concept mapping.
Discussion
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MODULE WEEK NO.6
Basic Rules for Ethical Research
The professional integrity of the researcher becomes at stake when
research is carried out without considering moral issues on what ought to be
done and what ought not to be done. According to Denscombe (2002), the
notion of ethics is closely linked to the idea of morality; and that ethics
concerns the system of moral principles by which individuals can judge their
actions as right or wrong, good or bad. Ethics in research calls for a moral
perspective rather than the practical or logical perspective related to the
research methodology.
Brinkmann (2012) lists some ethical questions as guide for the
researcher at the s start of a research project:
What are the beneficial consequences of the study?
How can informed consent of the participants be obtained?
How can confidentiality of the participants be protected?
What are the consequences of the study for the participants?
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How will researcher's role affect the study?
In the context of social science, Murphy and Dingwall (in Flick, 2011)
have developed an "ethical theory” based on four principles:
1. Non-maleficence - researchers should avoid harming participants.
2. Beneficence - research on human subjects should produce some
positive and identifiable benefit rather than simply
be
carried out for its own sake.
3. Autonomy or self-determination - research participants' values
and
decisions should be respected.
4. Justice - all people should be treated equally.
To expound more on these ethical concerns, the succeeding discussion
offers more succinct ideas pertaining to ethical considerations in research. First
on the list is the integrity of the researcher. Researchers must act
professionally in the pursuit of truth. They should be committed to discovering
and reporting things as honestly as possible.
A very basic ethical rule is to acknowledge the sources of information or
data used throughout the text. Knowledge or information taken from another
source must be acknowledged by citing the name of the author /authors and
the reference material where such ideas were taken.
Deception or misrepresentation must be avoided. The researcher
must not be influenced by other considerations except only of what is the truth
of the matter. Sometimes misrepresentation or deception in research can occur
among social researches sponsored by various interest groups like political
groups, manufacturing companies, promotion companies, or even motivated by
the researcher's personal interests. In the field of educational research perhaps
there's a slim chance that this could happen. However, human frailty could lead
to temptations due to man's innate vulnerability to it; hence faithfully observing
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Crafted by: Prof. Loida A. Cabaraban, MM-HRM, ARF, CTP
MODULE WEEK NO.6
and committing one's self to ethical guidelines and reminders is truly proper.
As expected of every researcher, it is his or her duty to inform and
discuss with the participants the consequences of the study, both the positive
and negative consequences. Luck may be on the researcher's side if all the
intended participants agree to take part in the study. But if there are some who
refuse to participate, the researcher cannot force them. It is therefore
necessary to get the consent of the participation prior to gathering of data.
Informed consent is a principle that is fundamental to the notion of
human rights (Denscombe, 2002). This means that:
it is absolutely essential to seek the voluntary consent of
the human subject.
The person involved should have the legal capacity to
give consent;
should be able to exercise free power of choice without
any intervention or force;
must have sufficient knowledge and comprehension of
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the subject of research to enable him to make an
enlightened decision.
In the case of children participants or other vulnerable
members of society, consent must be:
given by the parents or legal guardian or another
person who has a direct, formal responsibility for the
welfare of the child or other vulnerable participant.
Teacher-advisers in school, acting in loco parentis or in
lieu of parents, might take on this role.
See sample informed consent on the page 4.
Privacy, Confidentiality and Anonymity. The researcher should
take measures to safeguard the confidentiality of information and ensure the
non-disclosure of identities of those participating in the research. As mentioned
by Hamersley and Traianou (2012), "in legal form, the issue of privacy was
originally framed as the protection of individual citizens against intrusions by
others into their lives, and against demands for the disclosure of information."
Closely intertwined under the heading of privacy are issues to do with the
control of both territory and information. The territory involved is not only
physical space, but also virtual space that exists on mobile phones, personal
and institutional computers and internet.
Sample of Informed Consent
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MODULE WEEK NO.6
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Confidentiality serves to uphold the law that protects the privacy of
individuals. In research, information that is given by the participants to the
researcher during the gathering of data should be treated as confidential. It
should not be disclosed to anyone in any way that allows the information to be
traced back to the individual who provided it as it could prove embarrassing to
the informant and would constitute a breach of confidence against the
researcher. However, in some sensitive cases there are certain limitations to
confidentiality, according to Denscombe (2002). The legal duty of a researcher
or citizen to disclose information that would redound to the protection of lives
of the majority, overrides other considerations about the ethical conduct of
research and prior commitment to confidentiality. As an example, if an
informant reveals a plot to kill some members of a rival group, or minor
respondents would tell about being victims of physical or sexual abuse, or
threats to one's safety made by members of a drug syndicate, etc., under any
of these situations, the researcher may prioritize the disclosure of information
ahead of research-related commitments about confidentiality.
Another related concern is the protection of identities, or the issue of
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MODULE WEEK NO.6
anonymity. In research, truthfulness and objectivity are highly emphasized as
good qualities of a researcher, and as necessary ingredients to correct analysis
and validity of the research information. However, being truthful about the
names or identities of the participants might, likewise, pose as a problem later
on since not all participants may be willing to have their names publicized. To
get around the dilemma, researchers can use codes in the research report on
methodology rather than the real names of people, places, or organizations like
student 1,2,3.. teacher A,B,C...., school x and y..... and so on. But the
researcher needs to record the true identities in his/her own private file for
purposes of verification, clarification, and evaluating the data to support the
validity of the findings. A valid and acceptable practice is for the researcher to
request a written approval from the informant students, parents, school
authorities, organizations, etc. to use their names in the research report.
Exercise
Apply Your Knowledge (Review/Discussion Questions)
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A. You have just read various statements or information concerning the right
attitude,
behavior or actions expected of researchers, during or after the conduct of
research. We call them ethical considerations that every researcher must
consciously notice and observe or comply with in relation to the conduct of
research. With these in mind, try to ask someone with their experiences as a
student-researcher when unconsciously or unknowingly deviated from the
ethical norms or expectations while doing research. Do the following:
1. Write a narrative story of their experience wherein, as a student, did not conform to
the ethical norms while doing their research projects. Analyze their behavior at that
time and reflect on what they should have done as an evidence of learning.
Assessment
Answer the given problems.
1. Why should researchers consider ethics in the conduct of research?
2. Describe a researcher who possesses integrity.
3. Explain the concept of "Informed Consent" and cite an example.
4. Why should the information revealed by the informants be made confidential?
5. Cite an example of a situation wherein the researcher can disclose information as
part of his/her legal duty to protect the common good.
Reflection
Now that you have completed your module for this week. Write a reflection about what
you have learned. Your reflections should include:
(1) your opinion about the lesson
(2) personal experience
(3) evidence to back up your thoughts and/or opinion (APA citation).
Things you can reflect on include the readings for this week, videos, and the
discussions. The purpose of this reflection is to ensure you are processing your
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MODULE WEEK NO.6
thoughts on the course content. This will enhance your learning and knowledge.
Resources and Additional Resources
Guidebook:
• Beuno, Cababaro et al Research Writing for Business and Hospitality
Management
Students 2016
Textbook:
• Almeida, Adelaida et al Research Fundamentals From Concept to Output 2016
Additional Resources:
Internet sources and studies
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Crafted by: Prof. Loida A. Cabaraban, MM-HRM, ARF, CTP
