S ZHAVAIRO RM THEORY 2

QUESTION 1
(a) (i) Dependent and independent variables

Dependent Variable
This is the variable that depends on other factors that are measured. These variables are
expected to change as a result of an experimental manipulation of the independent variable or
variables. It is the presumed effect. This is what is being studied/measured. The dependent
variable (sometimes known as the responding variable) is what is being studied and measured
in the experiment. It is what changes as a result of the changes to the independent variable.
An example of a dependent variable is how tall someone is at different ages. The dependent
variable (height) depends on the independent variable (age).

Independent Variable
This is the variable that is stable and unaffected by the other variables we are trying to
measure. It refers to the condition of an experiment that is systematically manipulated by the
investigator. It is the presumed cause. This is what the scientist changes or what changes on
its own.

Independent variable is complementary to dependent variable. These two concepts are used
primarily in their mathematical sense, meaning that the value of a dependent variable changes
in response to that of an independent variable. In research design, independent variables are
those that a researcher can manipulate, whereas dependent variables are the responses to the
effects of independent variables. By purposefully manipulating the value of an independent
variable, one hopes to cause a response in the dependent variable. The independent variable
(sometimes known as the manipulated variable) is the variable whose change is not affected
by any other variable in the experiment. Either the scientist has to change the independent
variable herself or it changes on its own; nothing else in the experiment affects or changes it.
Two examples of common independent variables are age and time. There is nothing one or
anything else can do to speed up or slow down time or increase or decrease age. They are
independent of everything else.

In other words, the independent variable is the variable the experimenter changes or controls
and is assumed to have a direct effect on the dependent variable, the dependent variable is the
variable being tested and measured in an experiment, and is ‘dependent' on the independent
variable.

For example, we might change the type of information either organized or random, given to
participants to see what effect this might have on the amount of information remembered.

In this particular example the type of information is the independent variable, because it
changes and the amount of information remembered is the dependent variable, because this is
being measured.

An easy way to think of independent and dependent variables is, when one is conducting an
experiment, the independent variable is what one changes, and the dependent variable is what
changes because of that.

1
S ZHAVAIRO RM THEORY 2

(ii) Extraneous variable

Extraneous variables are any variables that one is not intentionally studying in her/his
experiment or test. When one runs an experiment, is looking to see if one variable (the
independent variable) has an effect on another variable (the dependent variable), but other
variables, perhaps ones that never crossed the mind, might influence the outcome of an
experiment. These undesirable variables are called extraneous variables.

An example is when someone wants to know if online learning increases student

understanding of statistics. One group uses an online knowledge base to study, the other
group uses traditional textbooks. Extraneous variables could include prior knowledge of
statistics; one should make sure that group A roughly matched group B with prior knowledge
before starting the study. Other extraneous variables could include amount of support in the
home, socio-economic income, or temperature of the testing room.

Other examples of extraneous variables include: Demand characteristics, that is

environmental clues which tell the participant how to behave, like features in the surrounding
or researcher’s non-verbal behaviour, these are all the clues in an experiment which convey
to the participant the purpose of the research.

Participants will be affected by: (i) their surroundings; (ii) the researcher’s characteristics;
(iii) the researcher’s behaviour (e.g. non-verbal communication), and (iv) their interpretation
of what is going on in the situation.

Experimenters should attempt to minimize these factors by keeping the environment as

natural as possible, carefully following standardized procedures. Finally, perhaps different
experimenters should be used to see if they obtain similar results.

Experimenter / Investigator Effects, that is where the researcher unintentionally affects the
outcome by giving clues to the participants about how they should behave, the experimenter
unconsciously conveys to participants how they should behave - this is called experimenter
bias.

The experiment might do this by giving unintentional clues to the participants about what the
experiment is about and how they expect them to behave. This affects the participants’
behaviour.

The experimenter is often totally unaware of the influence which s/he is exerting and the cues
may be very subtle but they may have an influence nevertheless.

Also, the personal attributes (e.g. age, gender, accent, manner etc.) of the experiment can
affect the behaviour of the participants.

Participant variables, like prior knowledge, health status or any other individual
characteristic that could affect the outcome, these are the ways in which each participant
varies from the other, and how this could affect the results e.g. mood, intelligence, anxiety,
nerves, concentration.

2
S ZHAVAIRO RM THEORY 2

For example, if a participant that has performed a memory test when she /he was tired,
dyslexic or had poor eyesight, this could affect their performance and the results of the
experiment. The experimental design chosen can have an effect on participant variables.

and situational variables, like noise, lighting or temperature in the environment, situational
variables should be controlled so that they are the same for all participants.

Standardized procedures are used to ensure that conditions are the same for all participants.
This includes the use of standardized instructions.

(iii) Research hypothesis

A research hypothesis is a specific, clear, and testable proposition or predictive statement

about the possible outcome of a scientific research study based on a particular property of a
population, such as presumed differences between groups on a particular variable or
relationships between variables. A hypothesis is an approximate explanation that relates to
the set of facts that can be tested by certain further investigations. Specifying the research
hypotheses is one of the most important steps in planning a scientific quantitative research
study. A quantitative researcher usually states an appropriate expectation about the results of
the study in one or more research hypotheses before conducting the study, because the design
of the research study and the planned research design often is determined by the stated
hypotheses.

In other words a hypothesis is a tentative statement about the relationship between two or
more variables. It is a specific, testable prediction about what you expect to happen in a
study. For example, a study designed to look at the relationship between sleep deprivation
and test performance might have a hypothesis that states, "This study is designed to assess the
hypothesis that sleep-deprived people will perform worse on a test than individuals who are
not sleep-deprived." In the world of experience optimization, strong hypotheses consist of
three distinct parts: a definition of the problem, a proposed solution, and a result.

(iv) Treatments

In an experiment, the factor, also called an independent variable, is an explanatory variable

manipulated by the experimenter. Each factor has two or more levels, thus different values of
the factor. Combinations of factor levels are called treatments. In experimental research,
some subjects are administered one or more experimental stimulus called a treatment, whilst
other subjects are not given such a stimulus (the control group). The treatment may be
considered successful if subjects in the treatment group rate more favourably on outcome
variables than control group subjects. Multiple levels of experimental stimulus may be
administered, in which case, there may be more than one treatment group. For example, in
order to test the effects of a new drug intended to treat a certain medical condition like covid
19, if a sample of covid 19, patients is randomly divided into three groups, with the first
group receiving a high dosage of the drug, the second group receiving a low dosage, and the
third group receives a placebo such as a sugar pill (control group), then the first two groups
are experimental groups and the third group is a control group. After administering the drug
for a period of time, if the condition of the experimental group subjects improved
significantly more than the control group subjects, we can say that the drug is effective. We
can also compare the conditions of the high and low dosage experimental groups to determine
if the high dose is more effective than the low dose.

3
S ZHAVAIRO RM THEORY 2

Treatments are the unique feature of experimental research that sets this design apart from all
other research methods. Treatment manipulation helps control for the “cause” in cause-effect
relationships. Naturally, the validity of experimental research depends on how well the
treatment was manipulated. Treatment manipulation must be checked using pre-tests and
pilot tests prior to the experimental study. Any measurements conducted before the treatment
is administered are called pre-test measures, while those conducted after the treatment are
post-test measures.

(v) Experiment
In an experiment, a researcher manipulates one or more variables, while holding all other
variables constant. By noting how the manipulated variables affect a response variable, the
researcher can test whether a causal relationship exists between the manipulated variables and
the response variable. All experiments have independent variables, dependent variables, and
experimental units. Experimental research can be conducted in laboratory or field settings.
An Experiment is a research conducted with a scientific approach, where a set of variables
are kept constant while the other set of variables are being measured as the subject of
experiment. There are times when there is no enough data to support some decisions. In such
situations, one needs to carry out experiments to discover the facts. Experimental research
can gather a lot of data that can help to make better decisions. Experimental research should
establish a cause and effect of a phenomenon, i.e. effects are observed from an experiment
due to the cause. As naturally, occurring event can be confusing for researchers to establish
conclusions. A true experiment is any study where an effort is made to identify and impose
control over all other variables except one. An independent variable is manipulated to
determine the effects on the dependent variables.
(b) (i) Descriptive

Descriptive research aims to accurately and systematically describe a population, situation or

phenomenon. It can answer what, when, where, when and how questions, but not why
questions. To determine cause and effect, experimental research is required.

A descriptive research design can use a wide variety of quantitative and qualitative methods
to investigate one or more variables. Unlike in experimental research, the researcher does not
control or manipulate any of the variables, but only observes and measures them. Descriptive
is defined as attempts to explore and explain while providing additional information about a
topic. This is where research is trying to describe what is happening in more detail, filling in
the missing parts and expanding our understanding. This is also where as much information is
collected as possible instead of making guesses or elaborate models to predict the future - the
'what' and 'how,' rather than the 'why.'

Descriptive research seeks to describe the current status of an identified variable. These
research projects are designed to provide systematic information about a phenomenon. The
researcher does not usually begin with a hypothesis, but is likely to develop one after
collecting data. The analysis and synthesis of the data provide the test of the hypothesis.
Systematic collection of information requires careful selection of the units studied and careful
measurement of each variable. Examples of descriptive research may include a description of

4
S ZHAVAIRO RM THEORY 2

how secondary school students spend their time during summer vacation, a description of the
tobacco use habits by teenagers, a description of how parents feel about the twelve-month
school year, a description of the attitudes of scientists regarding global warming, a
description of the kinds of physical activities that typically occur in nursing homes, and how
frequently each occurs and a description of the extent to which elementary teachers use math
manipulatives. Descriptive research design is a valid method for researching specific subjects
and as a precursor to more quantitative studies. Whilst there are some valid concerns about
the statistical validity, as long as the limitations are understood by the researcher, this type of
study is an invaluable scientific tool.

Whilst the results are always open to question and to different interpretations, there is no
doubt that they are preferable to performing no research at all.

Descriptive research can be explained as a statement of affairs as they are at present with the
researcher having no control over variable. Moreover, “descriptive studies may be
characterised as simply the attempt to determine, describe or identify what is, while analytical
research attempts to establish why it is that way or how it came to be”.

Descriptive research is “aimed at casting light on current issues or problems through a

process of data collection that enables it to describe the situation more completely than was
possible without employing this method.”.

In its essence, descriptive studies are used to describe various aspects of the phenomenon. In
its popular format, descriptive research is used to describe characteristics and/or behaviour of
sample population.

An important characteristic of descriptive research relates to the fact that while descriptive
research can employ a number of variables, only one variable is required to conduct a
descriptive study. Three main purposes of descriptive studies can be explained as describing,
explaining and validating research findings.

Descriptive studies are closely associated with observational studies, but they are not limited
with observation data collection method. Case studies and surveys can also be specified as
popular data collection methods used with descriptive studies.

Descriptive research is an appropriate choice when the research aim is to identify

characteristics, frequencies, trends, correlations, and categories. Descriptive research can use
both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The research design should be carefully
developed to ensure that the results are valid and reliable.

It is useful when not much is known yet about the topic or problem. Before one can research
why something happens, there is need to understand how, when and where it happens.

(ii) Explanatory

Explanatory Research is conducted for a problem that was not well researched before,
demands priorities, generates operational definitions and provides a better-researched model.
It is actually a type of research design that focuses on explaining the aspects of the study in a
detailed manner. Explanatory Research is conducted in order to help us find the problem that
was not studied before in-depth. Explanatory research is not used to give us some conclusive

5
S ZHAVAIRO RM THEORY 2

evidence but helps us in understanding the problem more efficiently. When conducting the
research, the researcher should be able to adapt himself/herself to the new data and the new
insight that he discovers as he/she studies the subject.

It does not aim to provide final and conclusive answers to the research questions but allows
the researcher to explore the research with a varying level of depths. It has been noticed that
exploratory research is the examination, which shapes the foundation for different inquiries
about, it is the building obstruct for alternate looks into, it is the building block for the other
researchers. The researcher starts with a general idea and uses research as a tool that could
lead to the subjects that would be dealt with in the incoming future. It is meant to provide
details where a small amount of information exists for a certain product in mind of that
researcher.

It can even help in deciding the exploration configuration, testing philosophy and information
gathering strategy. Research allows the researcher to tackle such problems where no or less
research has been done.

The purpose of explanatory research is to increase the understanding of a researcher on a

certain subject. It does not provide conclusive results because of the lack of its statistical
strength, but it makes the researcher determine how and why things happen. Also secondary
sources, such as published literature or data, are commonly used in the explanatory type of
research. Care ought to be taken to choose a scope of fair-minded sources to give a wide and
balanced comprehension of the subject.

Explanatory-Research can be very advantageous in directing subsequent research approaches.

A great understanding of the subject allows the researcher to refine subsequent research
questions and can greatly increase the usefulness of a study’s conclusions. This exploration is
likewise exceptionally valuable in deciding the best way to deal with accomplish a
specialist’s goal.

The drawback of explanatory –research is that it generates such types of information and
interpretations which could sometimes lead to banal information. It might also result in
useless samples, that is its studies make use of modest number samples which could not be
for a targeted/ specific type of audience.

Some of the popular methods of explanatory research design include literature searches,
depth interviews, focus groups, and case analysis.

Literature search: A literature search is one of the fastest and least expensive means to
discover hypothesis and provide information about the subject we’re studying. There is an
enormous amount of information available on the internet, libraries. The literature search may
include magazines, newspapers, trade literature, and academic literature.

Literature research example: Expect an issue is “The reason is item deals lower?” This can
without much of a stretch be assessed with the guide of distributed information which ought
to specify “whether the issue is an “industry issue” or a “firm issue”.

Depth interview: The literature search is a good start but it would be much preferred to
talk to a person who is well informed about the specific subject that you’re studying. These
people can be professionals or persons outside the organization.
6
S ZHAVAIRO RM THEORY 2

Depth interviews are widely used to tap information and the experience of the individuals
with the information related to the specific subject we’re studying. Anyone with information
related to the problem is a strong candidate for the depth interview.

Depth Interview Example: A youngsters’ book distributor got valuable data in regards to a
business decay by talking with administrators and teachers who uncovered that expanding
quantities of individuals were utilizing library offices and conceivably purchasing fewer
books for their kids.

Focus groups: Another method used is the gathering of the people who have a common
objective and has information about the specific problem at hand. The focus group can have
8-12 members. While selecting the members, it should be kept in mind that the individuals
have information about the problem.

Case Analysis: Researchers can understand and tackle the problem more efficiently by
dealing with the carefully selected cases or cases of the phenomenon. Analysis of the case of
the organization which has gone through the same case will help in dealing with the problem
more efficiently.

Case Analysis Example: L.L.Bean is perceived for its excellent request satisfaction.
Notwithstanding amid the bustling Christmas season, the company, for the most part, fills
more than 99 % of its requests accurately. Hence, different organizations have tried to
enhance their own particular request satisfaction by bench-marking L.L.Bean.

The importance of explanatory Research is that is allows the researcher to provide deep
insight into a specific subject, which gives birth to more subjects and provides more
opportunities for the researchers to study new things and questions new things.

The deep study of subjects creates a cycle and, the critical thinking/study of the subject
creates more questions and those questions lead to more ways for the researchers to study
more things related to that subject.

 Explanatory Research and Descriptive Research:

 Descriptive research, being quantitative in nature, is not efficient to open-ended

questions, this type of research can answer these questions more efficiently.
 research is more flexible as compared to that of descriptive research.
 The descriptive research uses tools like mean, average, median and frequency. On the
other hand, Explanatory research allows the researcher to use the tools which are
more qualitative in nature.
 The amount of information that the researcher has in mind, determines which type of
research he/she should use to get better results. With only vague ideas in mind, it
would be good for the researcher to go to exp. research. On the other hand,
information like quantitative data allows the researcher to go for descriptive research
which leads to unearthing specific relationships.
 Explanatory research needs to be conducted first, and then use that collection of
information which is required for descriptive research.

7
S ZHAVAIRO RM THEORY 2

Conclusively, the explanatory research is such a type of research that is a pillar of the other
type of researchers. Before initiating work for your next research, one should always conduct
explanatory research first, because without it the research would be incomplete and it
wouldn’t be as efficient. Explanatory research works to give your survey and research design
a better focus and significantly limits any unintended bias information.

(iii) Exploratory Research

Exploratory research is defined as the initial research into a hypothetical or theoretical idea.
This is where a researcher has an idea or has observed something and seeks to understand
more about it. An exploratory research project is an attempt to lay the groundwork that will
lead to future studies or to determine if what is being observed might be explained by a
currently existing theory. Most often, exploratory research lays the initial groundwork for
future research. Exploratory research is "the preliminary research to clarify the exact nature
of the problem to be solved." It is used to ensure additional research is taken into
consideration during an experiment as well as determining research priorities, collecting data
and honing in on certain subjects which may be difficult to take note of without exploratory
research.

Exploratory research is defined as a research used to investigate a problem which is not

clearly defined. It is conducted to have a better understanding of the existing problem, but
will not provide conclusive results. For such a research, a researcher starts with a general idea
and uses this research as a medium to identify issues, that can be the focus for future
research. An important aspect here is that the researcher should be willing to change his/her
direction subject to the revelation of new data or insight. Such a research is usually carried
out when the problem is at a preliminary stage. It is often referred to as grounded theory
approach or interpretive research as it is used to answer questions like what, why and how.

For example: Consider a scenario where a juice bar owner feels that increasing the variety of
juices will enable increase in customers, however he is not sure and needs more information.
The owner intends to carry out an exploratory research to find out and hence decides to do an
exploratory research to find out if expanding their juices selection will enable him to get
more customers of if it is a better idea.

Another example of exploratory research is a podcast survey template that can be used to
collect feedback about the podcast consumption metrics both from existing listeners as well
as other podcast listeners that are currently not subscribed to this channel. This helps the
author of the podcast create curated content that will gain a larger audience.

Exploratory research: Steps to conduct a research

 Identify the problem: A researcher identifies the subject of research and the problem
is addressed by carrying out multiple methods to answer the questions.

 Create the hypothesis: When the researcher has found out that there are no prior
studies and the problem is not precisely resolved, the researcher will create a
hypothesis based on the questions obtained while identifying the problem.
 Choose your method of research: You can use one or more than one method
(described ahead) to conduct your research.

8
S ZHAVAIRO RM THEORY 2

 Conduct the Research: Spend a good time to explore different sources and make
sure you are not missing an aspect of the research.

 Further research: Once the data has been obtained, the researcher will continue his
study through descriptive investigation. Qualitative methods are used to further study
the subject in detail and find out if the information is true or not.
 Analyse the results: There are many methods for analysis of market research data.
Using those methods, you can come down to the result of your hypothesis and prove it
right or wrong.

Characteristics of Exploratory research

 They are not structured studies

 It is usually low cost, interactive and open ended.
 It will enable a researcher answer questions like what is the problem? What is the
purpose of the study? And what topics could be studied?
 To carry out exploratory research, generally there is no prior research done or the
existing ones do not answer the problem precisely enough.
 It is a time consuming research and it needs patience and has risks associated with it.
 The researcher will have to go through all the information available for the particular
study he is doing.
 There are no set of rules to carry out the research per se, as they are flexible, broad
and scattered.
 The research needs to have importance or value. If the problem is not important in the
industry the research carried out is ineffective.
 The research should also have a few theories which can support its findings as that
will make it easier for the researcher to assess it and move ahead in his study
 Such a research usually produces qualitative data, however in certain cases
quantitative data can be generalized for a larger sample through use of surveys and
experiments.

Advantages of Exploratory research

 The researcher has a lot of flexibility and can adapt to changes as the research
progresses.
 It is usually low cost.
 It helps lay the foundation of a research, which can lead to further research.
 It enables the researcher understand at an early stage, if the topic is worth investing
the time and resources and if it is worth pursuing.
 It can assist other researchers to find out possible causes for the problem, which can
be further studied in detail to find out, which of them is the most likely cause for the
problem.

Disadvantages of Exploratory research

 Even though it can point you in the right direction towards what is the answer, it is
usually inconclusive.

9
S ZHAVAIRO RM THEORY 2

 The main disadvantage of exploratory research is that they provide qualitative data.
Interpretation of such information can be judgmental and biased.
 Most of the times, exploratory research involves a smaller sample, hence the results
cannot be accurately interpreted for a generalized population.
 Many a times, if the data is being collected through secondary research, then there is a
chance of that data being old and is not updated.

Importance of Exploratory research

Exploratory research is carried out when a topic needs to be understood in depth, especially if
it hasn’t been done before. The goal of such a research is to explore the problem and around
it and not actually derive a conclusion from it. Such kind of research will enable a researcher
to  set a strong foundation for exploring his ideas, choosing the right research design and
finding variables that actually are important for the analysis. Most importantly, such a
research can help organisations or researchers save up a lot of time and resources, as it will
enable the researcher to know if it worth pursuing.

(c) The main features of a case study research design

 A case study is a comprehensive study of a social unit of society, which may be a

person, family group, institution, community or event. A case study focuses attention
on a single unit thoroughly. The aim is that to find out the influencing factors of a
social unit and the relationship between these factors and a social unit. A case study is
a research methodology that is commonly used in social sciences.
 A case study is a research strategy and an empirical inquiry that investigates a
phenomenon within its real-life context.
 Case studies are based on an in-depth investigation of a single individual, group or
event to explore the causes of underlying principles.
 A case study is a descriptive and exploratory analysis of a person, group or event.
 A case study research can be single or multiple case studies, includes quantitative
evidence, relies on multiple sources of evidence and benefits from the prior
development of theoretical propositions.
 Case studies are analysis of persons, groups, events, decisions, periods, policies,
institutions or other systems that are studied holistically by one or more methods.

The main features or characteristics of a case study are:

1. The number of unit to be studied is small.

2. It studies a social unit deeply and thoroughly.
3. It is qualitative as well as quantitative.
4. It covers sufficient wide cycle of time.
5. It has continuity in nature.

(d) Ethics in research

Ethics are the moral principles that a person must follow, irrespective of the place or time.
Behaving ethically involves doing the right thing at the right time. Research ethics focus on

10
S ZHAVAIRO RM THEORY 2

the moral principles that researchers must follow in their respective fields of research. Ethics
are broadly the set of rules, written and unwritten, that govern our expectations of our own
and others’ behaviour.

Effectively, they set out how we expect others to behave, and why. While there is broad
agreement on some ethical values (for example, that murder is bad), there is also wide
variation on how exactly these values should be interpreted in practice.

Research ethics are the set of ethics that govern how scientific and other research is
performed at research institutions such as universities, and how it is disseminated.

Researchers must ensure that their researches are compliant to research ethics. There are also
wider issues about standards of conduct and these include the importance of publishing
findings in a transparent way, not plagiarising others’ work, and not falsifying work.

Many or even most research ethical codes cover the following areas:

 Honesty and Integrity

This means that the researcher needs to report his/her research honestly, and this
applies to the methods used, the data, the results, and whether one has previously
published any of it. One should not make up any data, including extrapolating
unreasonably from some of the results, or do anything which could be construed as
trying to mislead anyone. It is better to undersell than over-exaggerate one’s findings.

When working with others, one should always keep to any agreements, and act
sincerely.

 Objectivity

One should aim to avoid bias in any aspect of his/her research, including design, data
analysis, interpretation, and peer review. For example, one should never recommend
as a peer reviewer someone you know, or whom you have worked with, and one
should try to ensure that no groups are inadvertently excluded from the research. This
also means that the researcher needs to disclose any personal or financial interests that
may affect her/his research.

 Carefulness

Take care in carrying out the research to avoid careless mistakes. One should also
review his/her work carefully and critically to ensure that the results are credible. It is
also important to keep full records of the research. If one is asked to act as a peer
reviewer, he/she should take the time to do the job effectively and fully.

 Openness

One should always be prepared to share the data and results, along with any new tools
that one has developed, when he/she publishes the findings, as this helps to further
knowledge and advance science. One should also be open to criticism and new ideas.

11
S ZHAVAIRO RM THEORY 2

 Respect for Intellectual Property

One should never plagiarise, or copy, other people’s work and try to pass it off as
her/his own. One should always ask for permission before using other people’s tools
or methods, unpublished data or results. Not doing so is plagiarism. Obviously, the
researcher needs to respect copyrights and patents, together with other forms of
intellectual property, and always acknowledge contributions to one’s research. If in
doubt, acknowledge and give reference, to avoid any risk of plagiarism.

 Confidentiality

The researcher should respect anything that has been provided in confidence. One
should also follow guidelines on protection of sensitive information such as patient
records.

 Responsible Publication

One should publish to advance to state of research and knowledge, and not just to
advance his/her career. This means, in essence, that one should not publish anything
that is not new, or that duplicates someone else’s work.

 Legality

One should always be aware of laws and regulations that govern own work, and be
sure to conform to them.

 Animal Care

If one is using animals in the research, she/he should always be sure that his/her
experiments are both necessary and well-designed. One should also show respect for
the animals being used, and make sure that they are properly cared for.

 Human Subjects Protection

If the research involves people, one should make sure that he/she reduces any possible
harm to the minimum, and maximise the benefits both to participants and other
people.

This means, for example, that one should not expose people to more tests than are
strictly necessary to fulfil own research aims. Researcher should always respect
human rights, including the right to privacy and autonomy. One may need to take
particular care with vulnerable groups, which include, but are not limited to, children,
older people, and those with learning difficulties.

The Importance of Research Ethics

Research ethics are important for a number of reasons.

 They promote the aims of research, such as expanding knowledge.

12
S ZHAVAIRO RM THEORY 2

 They support the values required for collaborative work, such as mutual respect and
fairness. This is essential because scientific research depends on collaboration
between researchers and groups.
 They mean that researchers can be held accountable for their actions. Many
researchers are supported by public money, and regulations on conflicts of interest,
misconduct, and research involving humans or animals are necessary to ensure that
money is spent appropriately.
 They ensure that the public can trust research. For people to support and fund
research, they have to be confident in it.
 They support important social and moral values, such as the principle of doing no
harm to others.

References

https://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/research-ethics.html

Ethridge, D.E. (2004) “Research Methodology in Applied Economics” John Wiley & Sons,
p.24

Fox, W. & Bayat, M.S. (2007) “A Guide to Managing Research” Juta Publications, p.45

Jackson, S.L. (2009).  Research Methods and Statistics:  A Critical Thinking Approach 3rd
edition.  Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Resnick, D. B. (2015) What is Ethics in Research and Why is it Important?

13