Human Research Ethics & Integrity: Principles & Practice

The ability to conduct rigorous research in applied settings constitutes a set of skills that remain highly sought by government and non-government agencies, industry, and academia more generally. An appreciation of ethical conduct throughout the research process is a fundamental part of research projects. This course aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the principles and practical aspects of ethical conduct in social science research. It seeks to provide the framework to help social science students critically assess their own ethical behaviour throughout the life span of a project - beyond merely complying with regulatory bodies such as HREC. The course is in two parts. Part I sets out first principles of ethical behaviour according to the National Statement of Ethical Conduct in Human Research, as developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). A brief overview of (a) ethical approaches; (b) ethical controversies, and (c) processes of research governance and ethical review, and common antagonisms between researchers and HRECs, is also offered. Part II adopts a narrow-and-deep focus by examining ethical considerations to specific types of participants (eg., Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; children and young people, etc) The course is largely applied in nature (research led problem-based learning), and seeks to complement related research methods courses offered in the Master of Social Research degree, and courses taught in other ANU colleges.