People Studying People: Research Ethics in Society MOOC
6 weeks
This is for you if... you want to explore the value of ethical thinking for research, using an ethical appraisal framework to develop and evaluate studies.
Course information
Taught by Education
Please address all enquiries to FutureLearn.
Course description
Course description
If we consider data collection and its reporting to make up research, then we will all have been exposed to being participants in some form of social research. Data collection from people in society is now part of everyday life. Ethical research demands that respect is afforded to the rights and dignity of human participants. Studies need to be designed to be worthwhile and any potential harm anticipated and minimised. Ethical research requires thinking carefully about what constitutes participation in research and the responsibilities of researchers not only to participants, but also to all those affected by a study.
On this free online course you will be supported in reflecting on the value of ethical thinking for research and discover an ethical appraisal framework that you can apply to empirical research projects in social science, arts, education and the humanities. The course is designed to offer insights for both researchers and potential participants.
The course starts by exploring what ethics is and why it is important to research through a consideration of examples of studies which can be challenged in terms of their ethicality. In weeks 2-4 we will use an ethical appraisal framework to illustrate ways of thinking about the ethical implications of designing a study and recruiting participants, taking into consideration different stakeholder perspectives. In week 5 you will be able to apply the insights gained to a draft research proposal through a role play activity. To conclude, in week 6, we will reflect on how it is important to show integrity as a researcher whilst conducting and reporting studies. This will include thinking about what might go wrong in a study and how these issues might be anticipated.
This course has been developed by members of the University of Leicester College of Social Science, Arts and Humanities and is supported by an extensive set of resources for researchers on a website entitled Doing Ethical Research.
How a MOOC works
MOOCs are flexible courses which allow you to participate at your own pace. Once a course has started you can study the week's material at a time that suits you. You do not need to be online at the same time as the other students.
If you want to leave your course at any point you may do so, whether or not it has already begun. You can sign up for the same course when it runs again if you want to have another go at it. There is no limit on the number of MOOCs you can take: if you think you have the time to do several simultaneously, that's fine.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements for the current range of MOOCs available from the University of Leicester. You simply need an internet connection and a computer or tablet device. Some other courses may specify expected levels of understanding or experience in certain areas but this will be made clear before signing up for the course.
This course is designed for current or aspiring researchers in Social Science, Arts or the Humanities. You may have a research project in mind or one that is underway. It would also suit those with broader interests in evaluating research involving human participants, including those as potential participants.
English Language Requirements
There are no specific English language requirements for our MOOCs. However, to get the most out of this course you should have a reasonable command of written English.
Fees and funding
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
We are one of the UK's top research universities and our PhD and MPhil degrees are rooted in our strong research culture. You may want to apply for a research degree in Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities at the University of Leicester.
Related courses
Course structure
Week 1
Week 1
In this first week we will consider what kinds of data collection activity may be undertaken by People Studying People and start to think about what makes such collection ethical. We will look at case studies which have been potentially unethical, and introduce you to different stakeholders in Social Science research to think about the issues from their perspectives.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Week 2
Week 2
An ethical appraisal framework of four dimensions has been used to structure weeks 2-4 of the course. The framework is introduced and then each week takes one of the dimensions to explore its use in ethical thinking. Week 2 applies consequential ethical principles of ethical thinking to identifying a research focus.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Week 3
Week 3
This week investigates the range of responsibilities of a social science researcher. We will explore key legislation which would affect research undertaken in the UK or by researchers who are based in the UK (even, in some cases, if the research takes place overseas).
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Week 4
Week 4
In week 4 we will examine approaches to developing respectful research relationships. Sometimes researchers want to study a context with which they are not familiar and this raises particular responsibilities for them to work out how best to show respect to those in the setting.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Week 5
Week 5
How can researchers be sure they are 'doing the right thing'? In week 5 we explore how to apply deontological principles of ethical thinking to meeting researcher obligations. There are various duties of a researcher as we have been exploring on this course. This involves mitigating against harm, showing respect through ensuring participants' rights are met and ensuring they participate voluntarily.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Week 6
Week 6
In the final week of this course we put ethical thinking into practice.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
Education at Leicester has an excellent international reputation for the development and teaching of intellectually stimulating education courses.
The University of Leicester is one of the UK's leading research and teaching universities with over 25 years' experience of offering high quality distance learning courses.
This course is designed by academics who are at the forefront of research in education and who feed the latest developments into their teaching.
Teaching and learning
The course uses a mix of videos, articles and activities, with plenty of opportunities for discussion with fellow learners and further research.
At the end of each week of the course there is normally a set of multiple choice questions to test your understanding of what you have learned, and this will count towards your overall course score. Please note that this is a FutureLearn score, and is not valid as credit for other courses at the University of Leicester - although a MOOC is a great 'taster' for university learning.
Apply now
| Course | Duration | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Course People Studying People: Research Ethics in Society | Duration 6 weeks | Availability Apply Now |
