Module 6: Research Ethics

1. Watch the Yes Minister video clip on leading questions (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G0ZZJXw4MTA ). In 300-500 words, explain how the use of leading questions in research is an ethical issue. Discuss how political actors (e.g., political parties) could potentially use leading questions to influence public debate, and the implications of such practices. In your response, use at least two terms covered in the module (readings and/or videos), and be sure that all terminology used from the module is used correctly. Proofread carefully.
2. Post your blog post in your Learning Activity Discussion Board.
3. Provide a constructive response to at least one of your fellow group members’ posts. A constructive response is one that (a) uses supportive language to (b) identify for the author an area in which the work can be strengthened. For example, it may identify an issue where the wording is unclear or a point where terminology is used incorrectly, or suggest ideas for examples or ways to strengthen the argument, or let the author know of questions that the work raised for them. A constructive response goes beyond ‘I agree’ or ‘that is interesting’ to assist the author in improving the work. It should provide feedback that is intended to assist the author of the learning activity in improving their work.

Reminder: At the end of Module 8, you are required to select one learning activity for submission from Modules 5-8. You can use the feedback that you receive in the group forum to revise your selected learning activity prior to submission.

anonymity an aspect of research that keeps a person’s identity and identifying features unknown; respondents must be informed whether their identity will be revealed or whether they will remain anonymous.

confidentiality an aspect of research in which information is available only to those who are authorized to access it; in political science research, subjects typically are provided with a guarantee of confidentiality and, to ensure this, respondents’ names and other identifying features are excluded from the data set used for analysis.

informed consent the idea that respondents in a research project fully understand the nature of the project and the extent of their participation and agree to participate based on these understandings.

Note: Unless otherwise stated, glossary source is Berdahl, Loleen and Keith Archer. 2015. Explorations: Conducting Empirical Research in Canadian Political Science (Third Edition). Oxford University Press.