Ethics in Fieldwork: Reflections on the Unexpected

摘要: Research involving fieldwork can present the researcher with ethical dilemmas not anticipated in institutional ethics approval processes. Ethical both profound personal and methodological challenges. Decisions made response to these have potential affect validity of data collected its analysis at later stages research project. They may also generate feelings such as discomfort, uncertainty guilt for researcher. The authors’ experiences conducting qualitative four distinctly different contexts illustrate some unexpected consequences dilemmas. Issues encountered included: compromised relationships informants which develop unforeseen ways; engagement traumatized lead roles confidante, dealing new information that is critical informants’ futures but could undermine project, implications decisions design analysis. Through joint reflection on researchers’ decisions, case studies this paper provide a basis examining anticipatory rather than reactive ways In acknowledging one needs expect during field work, preparation were found be key tools relating informants, challenges undertaking work developing useful outcomes after returning home. This concludes suggestions researchers regarding issues consider addition concerns addressed standard university process.