Why are ethics in sex research important - Essay Example

Ethics in Sex Research In research, ethics refer to norms that differentiate between behavior that can be regarded as acceptable and unacceptable. In research, ethics are of great importance since they help in the achievement of research goals, as well as the achievement of the aims for which the research was meant. In sex research, ethics are crucial since they promote values that encourage collaboration in the research process. Through ethics, sex research can achieve the goals of fairness, accountability, as well as trust between the researchers and the subjects involved in the research.

For example, confidentiality is a key issue in sex research and it is enhanced when ethics are observed during the data collection process (McLaughlin 69). Ethics in sex research also help in gaining the support of the public for the research being conducted. Ethical behavior ensures that researchers observe integrity and conduct high quality research, as a result of which the public can fund such an initiative since it is being conducted with adherence to the set standards. Adherence to ethics in sex research is also important since it contributes to the promotion of social and moral values.

While conducting sex research, it is essential to respect human rights, observe the law, as well as be socially responsible. In addition, it is important to ensure that the health and safety of the subjects being used in the research are guaranteed. When there are ethical lapses during sex research, the human subjects taking part in the research will be harmed and this is morally wrong (Ritzer and Ryan 546). Ethics in research are also vital since they help researchers to avoid discriminating their subjects.

As an ethical obligation, researchers should treat all subjects equally and avoid discriminating some subjects when conducting research. Observing the code of ethics is also crucial in sex research since it enables researchers to abide by the law. Moreover, adherence to norms of research is an indication that the researchers are competent and the research results are valid and reliable. Respect for ethics is a prerequisite for professionalism and competence when conducting research. When researchers observe ethics during sex research, they manage to respect the dignity of humans, autonomy, as well as privacy of the subjects involved in research.

In addition, ethical conduct enables researchers to take the necessary precautions, especially when dealing with vulnerable subjects (McLaughlin 70) When conducting sex research, there are a number of methodologies that can be utilized. One of the research methods that can be used to collect data in sex research is the observation method. Based on this method, the researcher can collect information through observing the behavior of the subjects. In such a case, the researcher does not interfere with what the subjects are doing, but only observes the behavior of subjects and records what is observed.

Through the observation method, it becomes possible to conduct case studies. Another method that can be used in sex research is qualitative research, which focusses on the collection of data from respondents. Using qualitative research methods, the subjects respond to some issues through the interview method. In-depth surveys can also be conducted in order to collect information from the participants of sex research (Bancroft 7). Works CitedBancroft, John. Researching Sexual Behavior: Methodological Issues ; [papers Presented at an International Meeting].

Bloomington [u.a.: Indiana Univ. Press, 1997. Print.McLaughlin, Hugh. Understanding Social Work Research. London: Sage Publications, 2006. Print. Ritzer, George, and J M. Ryan. The Concise Encyclopedia of Sociology. Chichester, West Sussex, U.K: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011. Print.