Abstract
Research involves a systematic process of investigating a problem or phenomenon with a view of solving the problem or providing a new insight in the problem. The essence could be to describe, explain, predict, analyse, control or prescribe solutions to the problem. Whatever the goal of the research, there are expected processes to be followed for it to qualify as scientific research whose findings will be accepted. Typically of most PhD researches, a research student is expected to collect and analyse primary data in addition to the findings form the literature. The process of data collection, especially in social-sciences where the built environment arguably belongs, often involve interaction with people. In order to protect the fundamental right of the participants in research and ensure their anonymity, certain ethical guidelines and issues must be carefully considered before setting out for the data collection. The paper is aimed at creating awareness about these simple but delicate issues regarding ethical considerations during research. The authors drew on their personal experience, as PhD researchers, to create awareness about salient ethical issues regarding research data collection. The paper highlighted the process for a ‘scientific research’ and different types of data collection involving qualitative research. The paper discussed ethical issues related to data collection and concluded by signposting the likely ethical pitfalls and how to avoid while carrying out a research
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 21 Nov 2018 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | International Conference on Professionalism and Ethics in Construction 2018 - London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom Duration: 21 Nov 2018 → 22 Nov 2018 |
Conference
| Conference | International Conference on Professionalism and Ethics in Construction 2018 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | London |
| Period | 21/11/18 → 22/11/18 |
| Other | The aim of the conference was to provide an opportunity for prospective authors to review knowledge on professionalism and ethics and how it relates to the construction process and practices in different countries, with the view to making proposals of actions which can be taken to improve the situation. The objectives of the conference were to: 1. review the state of the construction professions in different countries, and the implications of this state of affairs 2. consider the importance of ethics in construction, current state of adherence to ethics in countries and implications of the present situation 3. discuss what can be done to develop the professions and practitioners to enhance professionalism, ethics, and the industry’s image. |
Keywords
- data collection, ethical issues, research process, researcher, qualitative data