Ethics and cultural difference
Introduction
The fifth generic quality involves the development of a commitment
to ethical action and social responsibility as a researcher in a
discipline or professional area and as a leading citizen. Higher
degree by research
students should be aware of their ethical requirements
within the professional area and practice, and of the ethical
demands that arise from new knowledge generated by research in the
area.
UniSA resources
On campus workshops
Research Education Support Activities (RESA) offers on campus workshops relevant to ethics in research as part of the core series (eg Ethics proposal in the Business, social sciences and humanities commencing program and Understanding politics, ethics and financial aspects of research in the Sciences, engineering and technology advancing research program). Check the calendar for details of when these workshops are offered.
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Online workshops, courses and resources
Ethics and compliance index (RESA) provides links to online workshops, courses and resources.
Indigenous research (Research and Innovation Services) outlines UniSA procedures for undertaking research with Indigenous participants. Research outside Australia may also have social and cultural implications.
Policies
Anti-Racism Policy (Policy no C-21.1) includes the policy statement, legislation, implementation, a glossary of terms and an appendix of relevant sections of national and international acts.
The National Statement on
Ethical Conduct in Human Research and
Australian Code for the
Responsible Conduct of Research are key national documents which
guide and influence the way research is conducted and managed. Both
documents place greater emphasis on institutional responsibilities
and accountability in the conduct of ethical research and more
clearly outline the responsibilities of researchers. Links to
documents and UniSA's approach are provided at the above links.
Other resources
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Commonwealth of Australia (2003) Values and ethics - Guidelines for ethical conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research
Section 6: Research involving Aboriginal peoples (Interagency Advisory Panel on Research Ethics, Canada)
Science and Society in Europe - Ethics (European Commission - Research) looks at ethical issues involving cultural difference. 'The European society is a rich cultural tapestry, made up of divergent ethical, religious, historical and philosophical backgrounds. While respecting these cultural differences, the European Commission is aiming to promote science and research which respects fundamental ethical principles.' This website looks at:
- What is meant by ethics in research?
- Ethical rules for the EU Research Framework programmes
- Ethical review of European Commission funded research projects
- The six action lines on ethics in the Action Plan 'Science and Society'
- Conventions, Declarations, and Codes of Conduct on ethics
Health ethics (National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia) covers animal research ethics, human research ethics, ethical issues, human embryos and cloning; research integrity.
National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) (National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia) is a must read: 'Ethics and ethical principles extend to all spheres of human activity. They apply to our dealings with each other, with animals and the environment.'