Adobe Systems 1 Ethics and reflexivity CMAa11 Qualitative Research Adobe Systems 2 What will today's class be about? Don't forget ̶Reflexivity in research ̶ ̶Ethics in research ̶General principles ̶Application ̶Familiarisation and signing of formal documents ̶Tips and tricks ̶ ̶Now we're distributing your training interviews for feedback ̶ ̶Please submit to target folder by 19. 11. the final version of the topic guide based on received feedback ̶ ̶Class 20.11. is very important: reflection on the interviews Adobe Systems 3 Research reflexivity ̶…engaging in self-reflection about who we are as researchers, how our subjectivities and biases guide and inform the research process, and how our worldview is shaped by the research we do and vice versa (Wilkinson, 1988) ̶ ̶form of critical thinking that prompts us to consider the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of research, critically questioning the utility, ethics, and value of what, whom, and how we study (Willig, 2013). ̶ ̶…invites us to look ‘inward’ and ‘outward’, … ̶Reflexivity is not reflection ̶ ̶Reflexivity -> increase quality, autenticity, credibility (=validity) Adobe Systems 4 Generally Ethics ̶A set of principles and techniques to ensure the safe handling of research participants. The aim is to prevent harm and to ensure and care for the health and welfare of direct and indirect participants. ̶It addresses the moral side of research. ̶Sign of professional status: expertise -> accountability -> trust ̶ ̶Ethical rules and requirements x legal requirements. Adobe Systems 5 Example for discussion The Milgram experiment ̶1960s by American social psychologist Stanley Milgram ̶Obedience to authority ̶Participation in „learning experiment“ ̶Instructed to follow the experimenter's instructions and electrically shock the "student„: ̶ 30 to 420 volt ̶„Student“: plea for release, complain about a heart condition, bang on the wall, silence. ̶Experimentor prompts: Please continue, The experiment requires that you continueIt is absolutely essential that you continue, You have no other choice, you must go on ̶„Teachers“: They expressed concern, expressed unwillingness to continue to participate ̶After the experiment: mainly focused on calming the subjects down before sending them on their way ̶ ̶Result: High percentage of participants continued to shock the "student" at dangerously high levels even when they expressed concern Adobe Systems 6 How and why (possibly) you can cause the harm? ̶You know what you want to „find out“ (you are informed) -> confusion, disappointment ̶You know the limits of research (it's not a magic tool) ̶You have the „final word“ (what the steps of the research will be, what will be the interpretation, who will have a voice) ̶You are representative of the institution ̶You are seen as an expert (privileged status) ̶You listen (you have information) => you hold power and can consciously or unconsciously abuse it Otazník proti červené zdi Adobe Systems 7 Ethical principles ̶Basic principles (embedded in codes of ethics, guidelines, informed consents): ̶"No harm„ ̶Voluntary participation ̶Confidentiality ̶Anonymity ̶ ̶Reactions to ethical misconduct in natural and social science research (e.g. Milgram experiment, Standford experiment) Adobe Systems 8 „No harm“ ̶A description of all possible threats arising from participation, procedures to avoid and minimize them and their application ̶Risk of physical harm? ̶Risk of psychological harm? ̶Risk of data misuse/leak? ̶Procedures to limit them ̶ ̶Clearly separate the description of risks from the discussion of rewards for research (indirect pressure) Adobe Systems 9 Voluntary participation ̶Consent to participation and terms of research ̶ ̶Eliminating of direct or indirect pressure ̶ ̶Knowledge about research ̶Purpose ̶Terms and Conditions ̶Process ̶Ensuring security (possible threats and their elimination) ̶Reward ̶Use of data ̶Data storage ̶ ̶Possibility to revoke (at any time up to the "point of irreversibility") without negative consequences, without justification) ̶Consent to participate ̶Consent to the use of data ̶"Testimony" (specific question, larger units) ̶Confirmation typically formal (informed consent form) but also repeatedly before the research ̶Contact information (research team, person in charge of the organisation) ̶ Adobe Systems 10 Confidentiality ̶The principle of "non-disclosure": ̶non-disclosure without active consent or disclosure on the participant‘s side ̶disclosure only to a narrowly specified group of persons ̶ ̶In the case of FG, full assurance cannot be given ̶The research team commits, other participant(s) are strongly requested ̶Not to disclose anything that the other participant did not actively disclose during the FG or that could be harmful to him/her ̶Not to disclose FG content outside the meeting ̶ ̶Keeping very restricted access to the research area and non-anonymised data: ̶Legally ̶Physically ̶Digitally ̶ Otazník proti červené zdi Adobe Systems 11 Anonymity ̶Masking the identity of participants ̶Allows to work with data without breaking confidentiality and minimizes harm ̶The researcher is obliged to anonymize, participants at their discretion ̶Procedures ̶During the realization Nicknames Required information by questionnaire or in advance ̶After realization Anonymisation of identity (of participants, other persons mentioned) Anonymisation of data content ̶Sometimes cannot be guaranteed (public figures/top management positions) ̶Individual arrangement ̶Consider just paraphrasing ̶Authorize data (can also be used in general) ̶Limits can be specified: ̶Full anonymisation x partial anonymisation ̶Illegal or life-threatening situations ̶ Adobe Systems 12 Anonymisation procedure Views on anonymisation ̶Maximum by default: ̶e.g. British Sociological Association (BSA) ̶Aim: To protect participants from intended and unintended consequences ̶According to the wishes of the participants: ̶e.g. Canadian Sociological Association (CSA) ̶Goal: recognition and empowerment, decrease paternalization, objectification ̶ ̶ Adobe Systems 13 What is commonly subject of anonymisation Anonymisation procedure People’s names ̶People’s names ̶Places ̶Religious or cultural background ̶Occupation/Education ̶Family/others relationships ̶… ̶The most common form/target of anonymization ̶The usual way: ̶Alternative names: it's good to ask or give a choice ̶Nicknames ̶Impersonal labels: „Participant 1“, „P1“ „1:“ Impersonal and messy ̶Substitution by socio-demographic data : „Female, 55 years„ ̶ ̶Sometimes participants require/prefer to be named ̶inform that there are possible unintended consequences ̶inform about the necessity not to comply (anonymity of others, vulnerable people) Adobe Systems 14 Places Anonymisation procedure Religious or cultural background ̶Contextualise, but in combination with other data can break anonymity ̶The usual way: ̶Reduce specificity: Argentina -> South American country Brno -> Regional town, Large/ medium-sized city Media Studies and Journalism -> Study programme at the Faculty of Social Studies, MUNI University Hospital Brno -> Hospital in Brno, Hospital 1 ̶Not to mention "In my home country, in [the name of the country], people are not so open..." ̶In some cases it can be very important for understanding motivations and depth of experience, but it can also break anonymity ̶The usual way: ̶Reduce specificity (but do not change the church or faith): Specific church -> "Christian faith„ hijab, crucifix -> scarf, symbol ̶Not to mention Adobe Systems 15 Occupation/Education Anonymisation procedure Family/others relationships ̶One of the main socio-demographic information ̶Important for assessing competence, social status ̶The usual way: ̶Reduce specificity: Soloist of the National Philharmonic Orchestra -> Vocalist, Cultural worker, Artist Promoted microbiologist -> Educated in the field of biology ̶Not to mention (almost impossible in a conversation about a job) "When I was working as a [job], I had very good conditions..." ̶People also perceive themselves through belonging to someone ̶Mostly without too much specification, unproblematic: „As his mother I know …“; „My husband is very good in ….“ ̶In some cases it may be problematic: ̶Gay parentship (ilegal in some countries) -> „step-parent“; „adopted child“ ̶References to ethnicity ̶Rare Characteristics: Disease, twin, sect membership... -> Not to mention unless it's the main point of the story ̶Anonymisation can disempower and make minorities invisible ̶ Adobe Systems 16 Common ways Anonymisation procedure (summary + extra) Special procedures (smokescreen strategy) ̶Do not mention at all ̶Do not mention in combination with other information ̶Reduce the level of specificity ̶Fake names, nicknames ̶28 years -> 18 - 30 years, "middle age„ ̶Brno -> "regional city", "big city„ ̶Paraphrase ̶Rodrigo said that ... ̶Quote with care ̶"There's always drugs being sold at [name of club]". ̶Changing gender: suitable for tokenized collectives ̶Creating fictional personas: ̶Proxy nickname ̶Complex fictional personas (multiple "fake" characteristics) ̶ Adobe Systems 17 Generally Informed consent ̶Formal acknowledgement of familiarity with the terms and conditions of the research (informal version = verbal consent) ̶ ̶All important information and conditions of research, but... ̶as short as possible ̶as simple as possible (occasionally needing modification) ̶ ̶In the case of vulnerable persons, the caretaker confirms (if possible, always by themselves) ̶Children ̶Institutionalized persons ̶Elderly/ill persons ̶ ̶Will you be sending it in advance or showing up on site? ̶ ̶ ̶ ̶ Otazník proti červené zdi > Adobe Systems 18 Principles Data storage Guide ̶Safe storage: ̶data on the device only for as long as necessary ̶anonymize as soon as possible ̶back up to multiple locations (not many) ̶use only secure storage (pay attention to licenses) ̶double barrier (computer + storage passwords; storage + folder passwords, etc.) ̶only for as long as necessary: delete after anonymization/after the end of the project ̶ ̶ Otazník proti červené zdi https://it.muni.cz/en/overviews/recommendations-for-the-usage-of-storages Adobe Systems 19 Research Commitment Agreement ̶Formal confirmation of qualifications to conduct research ̶ ̶Legally binding definition of responsibilities in research: ̶Researcher ̶Institution Adobe Systems 20 Reciprocity ̶Prevents exploitation, strengthens rapport, reduces power inequality ̶How can you make the research more reciprocal? ̶Give a reward (money) ̶Give advice/information (about something you know) ̶Share your experience/pain/joy (not therapy!) ̶Let them decide (location, length, permission, don't push, ask for interpretation, consultation) ̶Maintain the relationship Otazník proti červené zdi Adobe Systems 21 How to be more sure that you do ethical research? ̶Consult with: ̶your notes/diary ̶coleques (close, experts in some field) ̶your supervisor/s ̶formal documents (guidelines, law, Codes of Ethics, …) ̶literature ̶ethical experts (ethical committes) ̶participants (empowerment) ̶Be pre-cautious (where you see no danger, act as if the danger is small, etc.) ̶Always keep in mind that people are diverse ̶Don't be afraid to admit you don't know or can't do something ̶Respect ≠ Complicity: ̶Situations where someone says (or does) things contrary to your or general moral values or the law Letting the person speak/afterwards pointing out that you do not approve of this (but that you think it is important that this voice be examined) Engage in polite conflict In extreme cases, point out the need to report ̶ ̶ Otazník proti červené zdi Otazník proti červené zdi Adobe Systems 22 Exercise 1: Breaking the anonymity ̶Ricardo was researching flows of money from migrants living in the EU to West Africa (remittances) in order to understand how much was being sent and why. After assuring participants that their anonymity and privacy would be protected, he completed 22 in-depth semi-structured interviews with migrants. ̶Ricardo made an error early on in his research by not immediately anonymizing his respondents and replacing their actual names with numerical identifiers or pseudonyms. ̶A problem then arose when Ricardo sent a journal article out for review that contained the actual names of his respondents. This was a clear breach of ethical good practice. Adobe Systems 23 Exercise 2: Obtaining informed consent ̶Sometimes it is not possible or practical to obtain informed consent e.g. hidden research in a public place. ̶ ̶How do you decide whether to get it?