Practices of Ethics: An Empirical Approach to Ethics in Social Sciences Research

This book is intended for social sciences researchers, in a variety of disciplines (sociology, sociolinguistics, psychology, gerontology, ethnography, etc.), who, during all the stages of their research, be it quantitative or qualitative, are confronted with ethical dilemmas. As such, the chapters in this book attempt to provide the reader with examples of ethical reflection within the research process. The selection does not cover all the possible ethical issues they may face, but all of the chapters deal with the complex, unexpected, but fundamental, ethical questions that arise before, during and after fieldwork, and which do not always find clear guidance from the professional ethical codes they submit to. The studies in this book aim at contributing to the present debate on ethical issues in social sciences research, problematizing a normative approach to ethics in social sciences research, and highlighting the importance of considering the social character of research activities when applying ethical guidelines or Research Ethic Committees prescriptive procedures. These essays document researchers' practical moral reasoning in carrying out their research activities and in complying with the relevant legislation in relation to protecting research participants. Practices of ethics are identified and made describable, they are made the object of empirical documentation. A new empirical approach to ethics as a discipline is emerging, having practices of ethics as its specific object of study.