Student Inquiry and Research Program Details
Ethical Implications Statement
In this section of the proposal, the student will provide a brief written discussion of the ethical issues and some aspect of the societal implications involved in the proposed investigation. Students should fully and carefully consider, state and discuss the ethical implications of the work that they are undertaking, and discuss how the topic has affected society in the past or discuss an aspect of the ethical ramifications associated with the investigation.
Considerations
For many students, the investigation may be first occasion for which a statement of ethical implications is needed. Common reactions to the first need for such a statement can be confusion and frustration. In this situation, it may be useful to investigate resources used by professionals in developing their statements of ethical considerations.
Some ethical and societal implications are simple and straight-forward, but must be considered nonetheless. For example, basic considerations for the investigation include how it will be conducted and reported. If the proposal is too ambitious for the allotted time, it might be tempting to take shortcuts that could affect the integrity of the investigation and results. All work and results must be factual, rather than fabricated.
Another straight-forward consideration is that the work of each contributor and source must be credited to that specific contributor and source. A student may not care if someone else cited that particular student's work without crediting the student. However, to all researchers, using their work while failing to cite it is an ethical lapse with serious reprecussions. To claim as original any work of another person is plagiarism and violates both laws and ethical practices.
Other considerations may not be at all obvious. For example, the very topic itself may have ethical implications. Many research topics have had, or can have the potential to affect the human condition and society. Analysis of the ethical aspects of the work assists the student in moral growth and ensures that no one is harmed.