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Nick Barter, Angela Victor, Chris Rawson, Christopher Stevenson, Gary Allen, and Georgie Lowe

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is aimed at anyone interested in ethics and research. It may be of particular interest to people who are undertaking a research project related to their profession or area of study. You can use the hashtag #FLethicsmatters to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is aimed at anyone interested in ethics and research. It may be of particular interest to people who are undertaking a research project related to their profession or area of study. You can use the hashtag #FLethicsmatters to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • The role of ethics in research today and the historical context
  • Core principles underpinning ethical codes
  • Identifying conflicts of interest and managing bias
  • Navigating ethical dilemmas and repercussions of unethical behavior
  • Special considerations for research involving people and animals
  • Preparing for the ethics application

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Reviews summary

Essential research ethics foundation

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and well-structured overview of ethical research, proving particularly insightful for budding researchers and professionals seeking a strong foundation. Students frequently highlight the clarity of its lectures and the relevance of topics such as navigating ethical dilemmas, managing bias, and preparing ethics applications. While many appreciate the practical case studies and knowledgeable instructors, some experienced learners noted it could be too theoretical or basic for advanced insights, desiring more hands-on activities. Recent reviews indicate a largely positive reception, suggesting its continued value.
Examples could be more updated, but content is valuable.
"I think the course would benefit from more updated examples, as some felt a bit dated."
"It covers the basics of research ethics, but I felt some of the examples were not very contemporary."
Ideal for beginners, providing a solid introductory framework.
"It's an excellent primer for those new to the field."
"Absolutely essential for any budding researcher."
"This course provides a solid framework for understanding ethical research. The material is relevant for a broad audience..."
Practical insights for research projects & ethics.
"The content on navigating ethical dilemmas was particularly useful for my ongoing research project."
"I found the module on preparing for ethics applications quite practical."
"As a professional, I found the practical advice on navigating dilemmas and preparing ethics applications invaluable."
Well-structured, clear overview of research ethics.
"This course was incredibly insightful and well-structured... I highly recommend it for anyone starting out in research..."
"Fantastic course! The discussions on conflicts of interest and managing bias were incredibly relevant to my professional work. I found the lectures clear and concise..."
"Absolutely essential for any budding researcher. The comprehensive coverage from historical context to modern dilemmas... was incredibly informative."
Desire for more hands-on activities & interactivity.
"I was hoping for more hands-on scenarios or interactive exercises beyond the readings."
"I found the course quite repetitive in some modules. While the topic is crucial, the delivery could be more engaging. It felt like a lot of reading..."
"I did wish for more discussion forums or opportunities to apply the principles in hypothetical scenarios with feedback."
Too basic or theoretical for experienced learners.
"Some parts felt a bit basic for me as an experienced researcher..."
"For someone already familiar with basic ethical concepts, it might not offer much new. It's too high-level for practical researchers looking for advanced insights."
"The course covers essential ground, but at times it felt a little too theoretical for my taste. I was hoping for more hands-on scenarios..."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Why Ethics Matter: Ethical Research. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Why Ethics Matter: Ethical Research will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Presents the Dalai Lama's views on ethics. It unique and inspiring perspective on how to live a good life.
Argues that animals are entitled to the same basic rights as humans. It seminal work in the field of animal ethics and has had a major impact on the way we think about animals.
Explores the importance of self-reflection and ethical living. It wise and compassionate book that will help you to live a more meaningful life.
Explores the ethical implications of advances in science and technology. It thought-provoking and challenging read that will change the way you think about the future.
Develops an ethic of care, which focuses on the importance of relationships and caring for others. It valuable resource for anyone interested in feminist ethics or social justice.
Explores the concept of authenticity and its relationship to ethics. It challenging and thought-provoking read that will help you to understand yourself and your values.
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy free, peer-reviewed online encyclopedia of philosophy. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about ethics.
The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy free, peer-reviewed online encyclopedia of philosophy. It is another valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about ethics.
Comprehensive and engaging introduction to ethics. It covers the major ethical theories and issues, and it provides a wealth of real-world examples.
Classic introduction to ethics. It clear and concise overview of the major ethical theories.
This two-volume handbook presents an overview of a variety of research methods used in social science disciplines, such as survey research and qualitative research.
Is solely focused on research methods used in psychology. It provides students with a detailed, yet approachable overview.
Is great for understanding research in the political science discipline, specifically. The authors have impeccable credentials and provide a targeted approach to political science research.
An easily digestible introduction to the research process for any discipline. provides a broad overview of the entire research process including elements like formulating research questions and analyzing data.
This extensive book provides *extensive* coverage of a variety of research methods used in social relations, from designing research projects to collecting data and analyzing results. Perfect for the social sciences.
Provides a comprehensive overview of nearly every qualitative research method used in the social and behavioral sciences.

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