Ethical Considerations in Communication Research

Ethical Considerations in Communication Research

BSCOM/324

Ethical Considerations in Communication Research

Communication is key in all aspects of life, whether in a relationship, or in a study that is being researched by individuals. We must be able to establish and communicate information so that the data being collected is as clear and concise as possible. Communication can enhance our ability to understand each other, and allows us to clearly express our needs and desires, it also helps us to work through conflicts and solve any problems that arise in life.

The hypothesis type that will be used is deduction, with means there are observations that need to take place, and that will be based on whether eating chocolate 2 hours prior to taking a test can help improve memory. By using deduction, we will be able to be more efficient in finding out specific observation to test the hypothesizes out. Ethical implication that may occur during this study can be several. Such as false confessions, if someone fails to tell the truth about their observations in the testing can cause issues. Evaluations prior to this study should be done to work out any kinks, as those can become issues. In the study the members that are participating should have varying backgrounds and jobs, they should not be affiliated with anyone in the testing company. It can include men and women, however if you are just doing one or the other, that should be noted. The possible outcome of this particular study will show if eating chocolate two hours prior to a test will improve your memory, and will the outcome be different if you are a man or woman.

In this test, participation will be anonymous, other than knowing if they are male or female, that will be the main concern on the outcome of the study. I do not mind at all participating in this study, simply due to what is being tested. I love chocolate, so if it helps me with my memory, then I sure will! It will be interesting to see what the outcome comes too, and I will also get to participate and go thru the same things the subjects are going through. In this case participating in the study can help when it is time to collect the data, because you will have experienced the same testing, and will get to see firsthand what most of the outcomes are from the subjects.

Wording when asking questions is of high importance, people come from different backgrounds and cultures and words can have different meanings to them. Questions should be clear, concise and simple. There should not be long and complicated wording when you are trying to collect data from your subjects, it can cause confusion, and cause complications in the data coming back from the testing. You can use several different methods when collecting data, such as a survey, and or a questionnaire. There is not need to assume anything about your subjects, and do not use incorrect grammar, or double negatives. Once you beging gathering data, you may notice the patterns if there are any coming in with the results of the test. Remember your audience, and consider their backgrounds when asking questions pertaining to the test.

Wording can affect the answers for your resesarch, they can impact on how you will recieve the most information, and how clear and concise you will receive it can really depend on how you ask the questions. (Masterlaz, 2016) To ensure that you collect the correct data, use all the resources that are available there are many different ways to get this information. One way is direct face to face interviews, where you can actually sit down with them and see their reactions first hand. This is the most personal way, and probably will give you the most direct result, you will see first hand how they handled the situation, and what they did after the test. You will be able to gather information on the most personal level with the subject. Using the phone and making a survey is another way to gather direct information, you can come up with the same type of questions that you need to have answered across the subjects. Ensure that when you do write these questions, that the wording is clear and concise for them to understand. Do not use too many technical terms, and stay away from double negatives. Be considerate of all the culture and educational backgrounds of your subjects, do not make the questions too long and complicated. Keep it short and simple, straight to the point. It will help ensure that you collect only the data that you need.

Deception in your studies is something that you try to avoid at all costs, but it can happen, and it is not limited to the test subjects providing false information to the investigators. They can also omit and remove or just not tell the truth about the outcome of the test. There can be a misleading and or misunderstanding with the participants and the directions given, therefore causing a disconnect in communication, and provide false results. It must be ensured that the participants are given clear and concise directions on the situation that they are entering into. They need to be briefed and debriefed to ensure that they are not mislead or confused about anything occurring with the test. Inform the subjects if there are any images or any parts of the test that can cause them emotional harm, and or physical harm. They must be properly informed to all the aspects of the test that they are about to engage in. You must have “informed consent” and this is something that cannot be given if the research is not truthfully presented to them.

As with any aspect in life, there are potential risks for the people participating in your study, such as loss of time. People deal with the loss of time, simply because time is money. Most of them probably have to work, and or get their children from school. Providing them with a time range, and setting up time expectations can help alleviate some of this worry and tension that comes with them not knowing bout what is going out without their family. Also inform you subjects of any risks associated with this study, will it cause them to recall any memories, and or nightmares. Inform them of any effects that could happen to them after the test if that information is available. Provide them with a list of locations that they can call if they have to deal with any of the after affects that could happen, so that they are aware and informed. Also be sure to inform them and get consent from them if they have any specific request to avoid specific stimuli and or anything they may be allergic to, any phobias, and sensitivities to specific enviroments. This can ensure that while they are doing the test, they are aware of any possibilities and that their judgement is not clouded by any of the distractions.

Once all these precautions and communications are spoken to with the subject, we can be more confident that when they are done and provide the results of the testing, it will be as clear and concise for them to be able to feel safe and trust who is in charge. If they feel that they were communicated to in a proper and respectful manner, they will be able to provide valid and confident results back for the research study to take place.

References:

Masterlaz, A. (2016, April 20). How to write great questions for your research – Optimal Workshop. Retrieved December 05, 2016, from https://www.optimalworkshop.com/blog/write-great-questions-research/

Use of Deception in Research. (n.d.). Retrieved December 05, 2016, from

http://www.csueastbay.edu/orsp/forms-policies-procedures/irb/deception.html

University of Wisconsin-Superior. (n.d.). Retrieved December 05, 2016, from https://www.uwsuper.edu/irb/risks.cfm