In educational research, the most important ethical points to consider are those that concern the participants well-being, information regarding the participant's role in research and research goals. Full disclosure of the researcher's goals provides the participant with context surrounding his or her role. Age can determine how and to whom the information should be disclosed. If the sample group contains students that are children or college-age, an Internal Revue Board may review the research project prior to allowing student participation. It is also important to consider participant's families and their opinions regarding the research topic, methods and goals. The need to disclose information to the research sample group, the group's families, and the organization through which participation is gained makes using minors as a sample group unique.
Another important ethical issue, specific to educational research, is peer pressure. Whether the sampling frame is an entire school or just one class, a student and their family may be uncomfortable as the only subjects not participating in the research. The researcher needs to consider whether anonymity is required to prevent coercion or peer pressure. Anonymity can be extended to a participants status in the research as well as the outcome of their participation.
Unless considered necessary, incentives should be avoided. Although it is difficult to eliminate bias, not offering incentives allows potential participants to base their decisions on the merit of the research, not the incentive.
Another important ethical issue, specific to educational research, is peer pressure. Whether the sampling frame is an entire school or just one class, a student and their family may be uncomfortable as the only subjects not participating in the research. The researcher needs to consider whether anonymity is required to prevent coercion or peer pressure. Anonymity can be extended to a participants status in the research as well as the outcome of their participation.
Unless considered necessary, incentives should be avoided. Although it is difficult to eliminate bias, not offering incentives allows potential participants to base their decisions on the merit of the research, not the incentive.
