the relationship between the researcher and participant and those that involve
procedures to handle the data.
When conducting qualitative research, the researcher spends a prolonged time
in contact with participants, and relationships are formed. It is not uncommon
for researchers and participants to move from a formal (stranger) relationship
to one that is more personal (friend) (Leininger, 1985, 1995). For example, a
participant may share information in the context of a friendship, never expecting
it to be study data. Other consequences of prolonged engagement may include
the difficulty of ensuring ongoing informed consent or allowing a participant
to withdraw from the study if indicated. Another dilemma can occur when
the subject matter is emotional for participants. They may become upset and
begin to cry during an interview while sharing their experiences. When this
occurs, the appropriate response for the researcher is to ask if the tape recorder
should be turned off until the participant regains composure. Researchers
must examine the appropriateness of responding with therapeutic use of self
versus maintaining the role of researcher. In addition, researchers must avoid
taking advantage of a friendship. For example, the researcher may be tempted
to prolong the length of an interview past the agreed-upon time or to ask for
a second interview when this was not included in the original plan. Research-
ers are obligated to report suspicions of abuse, neglect, or criminal activity
if this is revealed. Therefore, it is essential that the consent form indicates to
participants that this is the case.
Spradley (1979) listed ethical principles that must be considered when
working with participants. These are summarized in Box 9-3. Some important
strategies must be implemented when handling qualitative data to safeguard
participants’ rights. When audiotapes are transcribed, all identifying information
such as name, address, place of employment, and phone
numbers must be replaced with fictitious information.
Participants are often assigned gender-appropriate code
names that progress alphabetically. Audio- and videotapes
must be treated as confidential and kept secured until
the conclusion of the study when they are destroyed. If a
participant withdraws from the study, the researcher may
Review Table 9-1. Devise one research question for each of the four methods that could be
answered by appropriately applying phenomenological, grounded theory, ethnographic, or
historical research.CRITICAL THINKING EXERCISE 9-3
FYI
Some ethical considerations are unique to
qualitative research. These fall into two major
categories: the relationship between the re-
searcher and participant and the procedures
to handle the data.9.3 Keeping It Ethical 245