Name: Ntobeko
Surname: Mavuso
Student number: 67661386
Module code: IRM1501
Unique number: 826977
Date: 19/03/2026
Assignment one
Table of Contents
Research ethics ............................................................................................................................................ 1
Define research ethics............................................................................................................................... 2
Why were the ethics guidelines developed .......................................................................................... 3
Principles of ethics ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Types of principles and their meaning ...................................................................................................... 5
Important of cultural sensitivity in research…………………………………………………………………………………6
Research ethics
Is a set of moral guidelines that govern the conduct of research, ensuring respect for
participants, integrity in data collection, and the overall welfare of those involved.
Reason for development of research ethics guidelines
Guidelines were developed in response to unethical studies, “such as the Tuskegee
syphilis study and the experiments conducted during World War II, which highlighted the
need for formal protections for research participants.”1
Research ethics is vital because it ensures that studies are conducted in a way that
respects human dignity, prevents harm, promotes trust in scientific findings, and
upholds the reputation of the research community.
Principles of ethics
Informed consent
It simply requires that participants receive complete information about the
study’s/research purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits, and voluntarily agree to
participate; for example, clinical trials use consent forms to document this process.
Anonymity/Confidentiality
It involves safeguarding personal data and ensuring individual identities are protected;
for instance,
survey responses are often anonymous to maintain participant’s privacy.
1
Minimizing harm
Brandt, Allan M. (December 1978) Racism and Research: The case of the TUSKEGEE Syphilis Study
It involves designing research to reduce physical, psychological, or social risk to
participants. For example, in psychological studies, researchers should avoid exposing
participants to unnecessary stress or discomfort.
Justice
It involves ensuring that the benefits and burdens of research are distributed fairly
among all groups. For instance, researchers should avoid exploiting disadvantaged
populations for the sake of convenience
Importance of cultural sensitivity in conducting ethical research involves respecting the
values, beliefs, and practices of the communities involved in research. For instance,
researchers working with indigenous population must engage in, meaningful
consultations and obtain community consent.
Bibliography
David B.Resmik, J.D., Ph.D. (n.d.). What is ethics in research & why it is important. UnitedStates: NIEHS.
Brandt, Allan M. (December 1978) Racism and Research: The case of the TUSKEGEE Syphilis Study
Wikepedia
ACADEMIC HONESTY DECLARATION
Declaration: .............................................
• I understand what academic dishonesty entails and am aware of Unisa’s
Policies in this regard.
• I declare that this assignment is my own, original work. Where I have used
someone else’s work, I have indicated this by using the prescribed style of
Referencing. Every contribution to, and quotation in, this assignment from the
Work or works of other people has been referenced according to this style.
• I have not allowed, and will not allow, anyone to copy my work with the intention
Of passing it off as his or her own work.
• I did not make use of another student’s work and submit it as my own.
NAME: Ntobeko Mavuso
SIGNATURE: N Mavuso
STUDENT NUMBER: 67661386
MODULE CODE: IRM1501
DATE: 19/03/2026
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