Ethics in qualitative research are essential to protect participants and ensure the integrity of the study. Researchers should adopt practices such as informed consent, confidentiality, and reflexivity, respecting the autonomy of participants and minimizing risks.

Introduction

Research ethics is a frequently discussed topic because it is one of the fundamental pillars that support the integrity of science. Qualitative research stands out for its ability to explore the depth of human experiences, but this depth brings with it significant ethical responsibility. According to a study by the American Psychological Association (APA, 2017), a lack of ethical practices in research can lead to adverse consequences, not only for participants but also for the credibility of the research itself. Therefore, it is imperative that researchers adopt ethical criteria at all stages of their investigations.

In this article, we will address ethical principles and what practical strategies can be implemented to ensure participant protection and study integrity.

Concepts and Definitions of Ethics in Qualitative Research

Ethics in Qualitative Research

Ethics in qualitative research refers to the set of principles that guide the conduct of studies, ensuring the protection of participants and the integrity of the research process. This includes consideration of issues such as informed consent, confidentiality and reflexivity (Liamputtong, 2007).

Informed Consent

Informed consent is a process by which participants are informed about the aims, methods, risks and benefits of research, enabling them to make informed decisions about their participation. This process should be viewed as an ongoing dialogue between the researcher and the participant. Clarity and transparency are essential to ensure that participants fully understand what is at stake (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013). For example, when conducting mental health research, researchers should clearly explain the potential risks of discussing personal experiences.

In turn, it is essential to know the aspects that informed consent adopts for minors, whether children or adolescents. In particular, authorization depends on the legal representative of the participant, despite this, the minor can decide whether or not to participate, if he or she has previously obtained the consent of the adult. On the other hand, the researcher must be up to date with the regulations of his or her country, since, for example, in some countries, adolescents from the age of 16 can give their consent, while in other countries, it is from the age of 18.

Reflexivity

THE reflexivity Reflexivity is the researcher’s critical self-analysis of his or her role and its impact on the research process. It involves awareness of how the researcher’s own beliefs, values, and experiences may influence data collection and interpretation (Finlay, 2002). Reflexivity enriches analysis and helps mitigate biases that may affect research. For example, keeping a research journal where researchers record their reflections can be a valuable practice.

Fundamental Ethical Principles

1. Respect for Autonomy

Researchers must respect participants' autonomy, ensuring that they have the right to decide whether or not to participate in the research. This involves providing clear and accessible information about the study (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).

2. Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

Researchers have an obligation to maximize benefits and minimize potential harms to participants. This requires careful assessment of the risks associated with the research and implementation of measures to mitigate them (Liamputtong, 2007). Risk assessment should be an ongoing process, adapting as new information emerges during the research.

3. Justice

Justice in research involves ensuring that the benefits and burdens of research are distributed equitably among all social groups. This means avoiding the exploitation of vulnerable populations and ensuring that all groups have equal access to the benefits of research (Vidal, 2022).

Ensuring Participant Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a crucial aspect of qualitative research ethics. Researchers should implement strategies to protect participants’ identities and data. Some best practices include:

• Data Encoding or pseudonyms: Assign codes to the collected data, instead of using names or personal identifiers, to protect the identity of participants or also use fictitious names (Liamputtong, 2007).
• Secure Storage: Use secure methods to store data, such as encryption and restricted access, to prevent information leaks (Grande Ratti et al., 2024).
• Consent to Disclosure: Obtain consent from participants before sharing any information that could identify them, even in publications or presentations (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).

Reflexivity in Qualitative Research

Reflexivity is an essential practice that allows researchers to recognize and reflect on their own influences in the research process. This may include:

• Research Diaries: Keeping a research journal where researchers record their reflections on the process, their interactions with participants, and their own emotional reactions (Finlay, 2002).
• Group Discussions: Participate in discussion groups with other researchers to share experiences and reflections on ethical and methodological issues.
• Supervision and Mentoring: Seek guidance from more experienced colleagues to discuss ethical dilemmas and receive feedback on the research approach (Liamputtong, 2007).

Implications of Lack of Ethics in Qualitative Research

Lack of ethics in qualitative research can have serious consequences for both participants and the scientific community. Some of the implications include:

• Damages to Participants: Unethical research can cause physical, emotional or psychological harm to participants, compromising their safety and well-being (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo [FCFRP-USP], 2020).
• Distrust in Research: Research scandals can lead to widespread distrust in the scientific community, making it difficult to accept new studies and discoveries (Pinto, 2015).
• Legal Consequences: Researchers who fail to follow ethical guidelines may face legal action, including lawsuits and professional sanctions.

Frequently Asked Questions and Mistakes about Ethics in Qualitative Research

Confusion between Ethics and Compliance

A common mistake among researchers is to confuse ethics with compliance. Many believe that approval from an ethics committee is sufficient to ensure the ethics of research. However, ethics should be seen as an ongoing process that involves reflection and adaptation throughout the study (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).

Underestimating the Importance of Informed Consent

Another common mistake is not providing participants with enough information during the informed consent process. This can compromise the validity of the consent and the integrity of the research. Researchers must ensure that participants fully understand what is at stake before agreeing to participate (Padilha et al., 2005).

Future Implications of Ethics in Research and Use of Technologies

As qualitative research continues to evolve, ethical guidelines must also adapt. The integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics brings new ethical challenges that require a proactive approach. Researchers must be prepared to consider issues such as data privacy, consent in digital environments, and the social responsibility of their research (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO], 2021).

Tips on good research practices

1. Seek Guidance: Always seek guidance from experienced colleagues when facing ethical dilemmas. Sharing experiences can offer new perspectives and solutions (Finlay, 2002).
2. Keep Communication Open: Establish clear and ongoing communication with participants about the use of their data and their right to withdraw from the research at any time. In addition, regarding data collection tools, such as voice recordings, written notes and/or videos, it is important to agree on such procedures with participants (Grande Ratti et al., 2024).
3. Review Ethical Guidelines Regularly: Always be up to date on ethical guidelines and best practices in your research area (FCFRP-USP, 2020).

Conclusion

Ethical and responsible qualitative research is essential to ensure the protection of participants and the credibility of results. Researchers should adopt a reflective and proactive approach to ethical issues, ensuring that their practices not only comply with legal requirements but also promote the well-being and dignity of the individuals involved. By following the best practices discussed in this article, researchers can contribute to a field of study that is more ethical and committed to addressing a variety of research issues.

Call to Action

We invite you to share your experiences and opinions about ethics in qualitative research. How do you approach ethical issues in your studies? Also, explore the platform requalify.ai, which offers tools and resources to help researchers implement good ethical practices in their research. Together, we can promote more ethical and responsible research.

Glossary of Terms

• Reflexivity: The practice of critical self-analysis by the researcher regarding his/her role and impact on the research process.
• Beneficence: The ethical principle that involves maximizing benefits and minimizing harm to participants.

References

American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.  https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/

Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (2020). Guidelines for the promotion of Good Scientific Practices. Ethics and Integrity in Scientific Activities. https://fcfrp.usp.br/wp-content/uploads/sites/528/2020/12/Boas-Pr%C3%A1ticas-Cient%C3%ADficas-da-FCFRP.pdf

Finlay, L. (2002). “Outing” the researcher: The provenance, process and practice of reflexivity. Qualitative Health Research, 12(4), 531–545. https://doi.org/10.1177/104973202129120052

Grande Ratti, M. F., Murature, D., Sánchez del Roscio, A., Frei, S., & Benítez, S. E. (2024). Ethics in qualitative research. Rev. Hosp. Ital. B.Aires. 44(1):e0000295. https://ojs.hospitalitaliano.org.ar/index.php/revistahi/article/view/295/266

Liamputtong, P. (2007). Researching the Vulnerable: A Guide to Sensitive Research Methods. SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781849209861

Padilha, MICS, Ramos, FRS, Borenstein, MS, & Martins, CR (2005). The researcher's responsibility or what we say about research ethics. Text Context Nursing. 14(1):96-105. https://www.scielo.br/j/tce/a/JmGdS5LFhF5DzSLSWgZpRGL/?lang=pt#

Pinto, PT (2015). Ethical fallas in science: what they are, why they occur and how to avoid them. Natura neotropicalis 46(2): 33-38. https://ri.conicet.gov.ar/bitstream/handle/11336/71482/CONICET_Digital_Nro.3787d51d-1468-471d-af46-2be00a727666_A.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y

Organization of United Nations for Education, Science and Culture (2021). Recommendation on the ethics of artificial intelligence. https://www.unesco.org/es/artificial-intelligence/recommendation-ethics

Vidal, EA (2022). Application of the bioethical principle of justice in investigation. Contributions from
the principle of solidarity and the concept of social responsibility. UCA – Life and Ethics, 2: 113-129. https://repositorio.uca.edu.ar/bitstream/123456789/16456/1/aplicaci%C3%B3n-principio-bio%C3%A9tico-justicia.pdf