Apply ethical principles to research design and conduct

Ethical principles are the compass that guides responsible research. They ensure your project respects participants and produces trustworthy data.

One core principle is informed consent. Participants must fully understand the research, potential risks, and how their data will be used. Imagine explaining a hike's difficulty and terrain before inviting someone along.

Minimizing harm is paramount. Research shouldn't cause physical or psychological distress. Think of packing appropriate gear to avoid getting lost or injured on your research hike.

Confidentiality and anonymity protect participants' privacy. Will their names be revealed? This is like keeping your travel journal private or using a pseudonym.

Honesty and transparency are crucial. Be truthful about your research methods and findings. This is akin to honestly documenting your journey, detours and all.

Following these principles fosters trust and protects participants. It also strengthens your research by ensuring data is reliable and free from bias. Ethical research is not just the right thing to do, it's the foundation for strong and credible findings.