Issues of ethics in social research

Abstract

Ethics, as a general, principal, concept, is primarily grounded on the ancient Greek philosophical investigation and understanding of the moral life; the theoretical inquiry and the practical treatment of the critical question of “how is it possible for someone to live a moral life”. It is also significantly related to a set of normative principles and socially acceptable guidelines that can decisively influence existing thoughts and interpretations and practices concerning individual choices and collective priorities.
The question of ethics in contemporary empirical sociological/social research (quantitative, qualitative or mixed) problematizes the research community and the involved academic and social agencies in a much more intense, clear and systematic way than in previous decades. Thus, it forms a relatively independent part - obviously in communication with the rest - of a research action plan, particularly in qualitatively sociological inquiry.