Ethical Issues in Qualitative Research
Various ethical issues do arise during qualitative research. According to Sanjari et al. (2014), the researcher’s potential impact on the participants, and vice versa is a major ethical issue in qualitative research. Researchers spend a lot of time with the participants to observe and build rapport with them. However, sometimes the researcher’s interaction can increase the risk of bias from the participants or the researcher (Sanjari et al., 2014). For example, the presence of the researcher can alter the participants’ behavior. Also, cross-cultural differences can impact how the researcher interacts with the participants. If the participants come from a different cultural background, the risk is higher (Orb, Eisenhauer & Wynaden, 2001). For example, if the researcher dresses or talks in a way that the participants consider disrespectful, it negatively impacts the research process.
Another ethical issue is confidentiality. When collecting qualitative data such as through personal narratives or telephone interviews, confidentiality can be compromised. For example, another person, such as a family member, may overhear the conversation (Sanjari et al., 2014). Informed consent is also an important ethical issue that can occur. Even though qualitative researchers do obtain consent, sometimes it may not be informed (Orb et al., 2001). A participant may indicate they fully understood the information provided but later on reveal that they feel misled. When collecting data from children, the risk of informed consent is further compromised because they cannot give informed consent.
An example of an ethical issue that may occur during qualitative data research is breaking the boundary of the relationship with the participants. A researcher who is studying a vulnerable group or culture, such as women facing difficulties in the villages may feel compassion and get too close to them. As the research progresses, the researcher feels compelled to help them address their challenges and intervenes. Such an intimate relationship or friendship with the participants interferes with the findings or generates biased data.