NCJ Number
192243
Journal
Youth Studies Australia Volume: 20 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2001 Pages: 34-39
Editor(s)
Sheila Allison
Date Published
December 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article examines research ethics as they relate to the undertaking of research projects involving young people and the ethical dilemmas that evolve and meet difficult resolution.
Abstract
Within the realm of research involving young people, various codes of ethics have been developed. However, in order to maintain the integrity of a young person's contribution to the research and respect their decision to participate, recommendations have been suggested to modify the ethical codes. This article addressed some of the dilemmas faced in undertaking research involving young people through the author's current research project on investigating ways in which youth services can create cultures of nonviolence. Ethical dilemmas confronted when conducting the study included: (1) the need for parental consent prior to interviewing; (2) respecting the views of young people; (3) protecting the anonymity and confidentiality of young people; (4) reporting disclosures of abuse; and (5) writing up the research and the representation of views and results. The author argues 5 that ethical research with young people requires flexibility, the questioning of assumptions, and continual reflection, instead of strict adherence to research codes of ethics or guidelines. Research with young people has introduced more ethical dilemmas that are not easily resolved. References