Ethics may be defined as the traditional norms that a person uses to conduct himself which help distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. In the area of research, ethics plays a significant role in defining standards of conduct for certain disciplines of study. Research ethics form part of the method, procedure or standard behind how effective research and study are to be conducted.

Importance Of Ethical Research

With research and study usually the basis for the build up of fundamental knowledge that later generations would follow, it is important to make such undertakings as truthful and as error free as possible. A good way to do this is to abide by certain ethical procedures and methods that prohibit misinterpreting, fabricating or falsifying research data, facts and results. But that is just one importance of upholding ethics in research. Different fields of study usually have many other reasons for upholding certain ethical standards for research. Here are some of them.

Honesty And Truth

Ethical conduct in research strives to uphold honesty and truth for all research data, methods, procedures, communications and results. Without this ethical conduct being followed, it would be quite difficult determining research credibility. Doubt would add into the confusion and would usually result in research data as unacceptable.

Objective Research

Credible research is also based on objectivity. Certain biases and hidden interests can sometime alter research data and make them unreliable up to a certain point. Researchers should always strive for objectivity and not let outside influences alter their research work especially in areas of data interpretation, peer review, personnel decisions and expert testimony.

Respect For Intellectual Property

Research would usually require the use of previous findings, methods and knowledge that might already be owned by others. Ethical conduct in research directs researchers to respect and honor patents, copyrights and other forms of intellectual property that may be included or become a part of research work. Use of such intellectual property without permission is to be avoided. Credit should be given to where it's due.

Social Responsibility

Ethical research aims to promote undertaking research work that promotes social good and welfare. Conducting research that may cause harm and danger to any social environment should be avoided. Researchers should be responsible enough to determine that their research work fall under such ethical standards.