What does the term “ethical research” mean to you? Have your perceptions of ethical research changed as a result of the reading? What insights did you gain from the readings? How does your understanding of the ethical issues in research affect your thinking about the implementation of your proposal? After blogging, please post your URL here.
Ethical research has many meanings to me. After working 3 years in the field I have seen plenty of bias when it comes to methodology. I believe ethical research should be unbiased and low-risk.
I have learned throughout my time working in the field that consents and client confidentiality are crucial when it comes to audits from outside agencies. It is very important that everything an agency/company does is ethical and it will not bring harm to those in the program. It is important in my current position that no only are the youth made aware of their ethical rights but as well as the guardians.
My perceptions of ethical research have not really changed as a result from the readings. I believe in up front and honest research. I think deception is out of the question immoral in regards to the context of research. I have gained the insight that there can be ethical controversies in research and to be aware/avoid them. I agree with the reading that bias still exists in studies but should be removed from all future studies.
My current proposal is that categorizing trauma for youth in care (i.e. hospital, residential treatment, therapeutic foster care) by level of trauma, and doing a study on debriefing immediately post restraint/seclusion as well as debriefing the same incidents with the client and staff 2 weeks later. I think that the reconnecting for youth with severe trauma as well as positive relationship building is a major contributor that can make or break the cycle. Having levels for the youth in care will help the staff realize the necessity of reconnecting and assessing trauma. My proposal still needs some fine-tuning but I think my method could show some positive results!
SWK512 