We bring all of who we are to whatever we do, and research is no different. There is no such thing as being objective and I think this is where and how research has hurt Native communities in the past. As researchers, we cannot help but bring our worldview into the process and with these worldviews come judgments about differences however well meaning the researcher might be. I need to remember who I am, keep an open mind, use the skills I've learned for the betterment of my community and remember that the role of the researcher is to learn from the experts
- Nancy Cooper (2004, p. 20)
Some researchers suggest that we focus on promoting optimal outcomes through research rather than focus on reducing harm (Shartrand & Brabeck, 2004). Hopefully, we can aim to do both. A main purpose and ethical underpinning of research in practice is to improve practice for the benefit of learners. Think about how the choices you make throughout your research journey are of benefit and to whom.
In the rest of this chapter, we'll consider a number of other ethical decisions related to involving people in your research. Although you can plan for situations that may arise, you can't always know ahead of time what might come up. Think about ethics as a process for making decisions throughout your research, rather than set of procedures to follow at the start (Edwards & Mauthner, 2002).
In Chapter 4, we considered how who we are shapes how and what we know and come to know. This includes our knowing about ethics-about minimizing harm and promoting well being. You might keep your reflections from Chapter 4 in mind as we proceed with this chapter.
As you plan your research, think about who owns the research or has control of it. As the researcher, you will be doing the main share of the work. But in most cases, you would not be able to do the research without the direct participation or support of others. Likely, students or other practitioners will participate in your research. Your employer may be supporting you to carry out the research in your workplace. Perhaps you received funding to do the work.