ANSWER EACH OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS OR POST STATEMENTS. MUST BE 150 WORDS (PLEASE), WRITE IN 3RD PERSON. ONLY ONE REFERENCE CAN BE USED FOR EACH ANSWER. MUST BE 150 WORDS (PLEASE).

DQ1

The ethical question which immediately comes to mind for me is the issue of sampling. Once a target population has been identified, the researcher must decide how to obtain his sample. Convenience sampling is based on the ease of recruiting participants and does not allow the researcher to make generalizations from his results (McClendon &Elsasser, 2015). A researcher uses purposive sampling when he chooses individuals that appear to be representative of the target population (McClendon &Elsasser, 2015). In this case, clear descriptions need to be provided as to how the population was selected. The selection of the sample would also figure in the limitations section of the study. Though popular, snowball sampling also introduces researcher and participant bias into the selection of the sample. Researchers identify an original group of participants, and then ask those individuals for further recommendations of others to include (McClendon &Elsasser, 2015). While the level of bias is diluted by the number and variety of original participants, if these individuals are members of a specific interest group, they may refer researchers to more like-minded individuals. Random sampling is the most unbiased method, since individuals are selected at random from a population group (McClendon &Elsasser, 2015). These results are considered the most generalizable.

Of course the question of sample size also has a bearing on generalizability. Fortunately, GCU has set guidelines for sample sizes to help scholars achieve viable studies. I am most partial to a qualitative case study approach and was surprised by the small sample size in the article we read for module 2-6 individuals (Willis & Carmichael, 2011). GCU, by contrast, requires at least 10 participants for case study research (McClendon &Elsasser, 2015). In addition, GCU recommends over-recruiting, since not all participants will successfully complete a study (McClendon &Elsasser). Ethical sample selection and size has a direct bearing on the validity of a study. Thus, it is imperative for researchers to give careful consideration to their methods in order to ensure that research remains without bias and does not promote the interests of one group over another.

McClendon, C. &Elsasser, S. (2015). Dissertation components, academic Integrity, and research ethics. In Grand Canyon University (Ed.), GCU Doctoral Research: Foundations and Theories. Retrieved from http://www.gcumedia.com/digital-resources/grand-canyon-university/2015/gcu-doctoral-research_foundations-and-theories_ebook_1e.php
Willis, B., & Carmichael, K. D. (2011). The lived experience of late-stage doctoral student attrition in counselor education. The Qualitative Report, 16(1), 192-207. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/docview/854985075?accountid=7374

DQ2

From the knowledge that I learned during LDR 800, you are either ethical or you are not (Pasztor, 2015). The ethics concepts and principles that could apply to my dissertation topic is validity and reliability. There is going to be a lot of research, but a major ethical consideration could be doctoral students presenting information and not giving credit to the source of the research. According to Remenyi (1998) the findings should be presented as objectively as possible; not suggesting that more has been accomplished by the researcher than there actually was.

Another ethical issue I see is receiving too much help from alumi, staff and other doctoral students. According to Remenyi (1998) the amount of assistance received from other doctoral students is a delicate subject and too much assistance can create ethical issues that may result in the doctoral candidate's degree being delayed, or quite possibly the doctoral student may not receive the degree at all.

The uncertainties and concerns that I have during the dissertation process is trust from the university and peers. It is assumed by universities that the doctoral student will perform their work with the highest sense of integrity and ethical standards. Verifying the research as our own will be essential in ensuring that all ethical standards are adhered to. Normally, universities only require self-certification during the research process, while knowing that it is easy to cheat. Therefore, it is vitally important that I, as the researcher, understand the ethical issues involved (Remenyi, 1998).

References

Pasztor, J. (2015). What is ethics, anyway?. Journal of Financial Service Professionals, 69(6), 30-32. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=110556945&site=eds-live&scope=site

Remenyi, D. (1998). Central ethical considerations for masters and doctoral research in business and management studies. South African Journal of Business Management, 29(3), 109. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=1370174&site=eds-live&scope=site

DQ 1

Working on our dissertation process can be an overwhelming and arduous task for any doctoral students. Besides getting it organized, collecting the information, literature reviews can be quite a challenging task. It is essential that our data is reliable and can be validated as part of our ethical principles during research. According to McClendon and Elsasser (2015) proper planning will prevent poor performance which we should all avoid at any cost. In the process of research we must conduct it with a sense of integrity and transparency. Whatever methods we plan to implement, we must ensure that the results that we have collected must be credible and if the method is shared with anyone, it should produce the same results. As a doctoral student we must make every effort to be accountable on what we are working on to maintain the veracity of our research. This must be maintained throughout the research process. According to NIH (1979), ethical consideration in research projects include three issues - do no harm, respect as in maintaining an awareness of intellectual integrity and personal responsibility, fairness and justice.

Throughout the dissertation process we need to respect ethics while managing and analysis of the data. It is during the research process that we need to carefully monitor and ensure that each of the steps we take during the dissertation process we follow the highest standards of conduct specific to intellectual property, use of human subjects, confidentiality, and social responsibility (Resnick, 2010; Trochim, 2006).

While doing research. It is the ethics that define who we are and it is crucial in order to maintain our credibility and trustworthiness. I expect GCU to have an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure ethical behaviors and procedures are followed in all of our research activities. My only concern is that IRB and the committee needs to have a check and balance to ensure that I have not broken any rules. It is crucial that I find the right member who can guide and assist me to follow the rules.

Reference
Burian, P. E., Rogerson, L., &Maffei, F. R., I.I.I. (2010). The research roadmap: A primer to the approach and process. Contemporary Issues in Education Research, 3(8), 43-58.

Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1072689&site=eds-live&scope=site

McClendon, C. &Elsasser, S. (2015). Dissertation components, academic Integrity, and research ethics. In Grand Canyon University (Ed.), GCU Doctoral Research: Foundations and Theories.

Retrieved from http://www.gcumedia.com/digital-resources/grand-canyon-university/2015/gcu-doctoral-research_foundations-and-theories_ebook_1e.php

NIH (1979). The Belmont Report: Ethical principles and guidelines for the protection of human subjects of research. National Institute for Health, Office of Human Subjects Research. Bethsada, MD.

Retrieved:

http://ohsr.od.nih.gov/guidelines/belmont.html

Resnick, D. B. (2010). What is Ethics in Research & Why is It Important? National Institute of

Environmental Health Sciences---National Institute of Health Retrieved from:

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis.cfm

Trochim, W. M. K. (2006). Ethics in Research. Research Methods Knowledge Base.

Retrieved from:

http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/ethics.php

Part2

DQ 1

What are some of the ethical issues that can arise during a research study? What tools are available to research institutions to assure ethical compliance of the researchers?

DQ 2

Ethics and research intersect in the area of data collection. According to Coughlan, Cronin, and Ryan (2009), three basic data collection methods are used in quantitative studies: surveys, interviews, and observation. All three areas are now impacted by the widespread computerization of these methods, which contributes additional ethical concerns. Self-administered questionnaires, both paper pencil and on-line, are burdened by low response rates (Coughlan et al., 2009). Due to compromised confidentiality on computerized surveys, response rates have historically fallen even further (Stewart, 2003 in Coughlan et al., 2009). Ethically, the researcher must alert his readers to the response rate in order to prevent over-generalizations related to his results (Coughlan et al., 2009). Even with the limitation noted in the research article, the validity of the research is called into question by the lack of participation.

Interviews and observation are easily impacted by researcher bias. A researcher can choose to influence the course of an interview or to observe only certain elements of a scene (Coughlan et al.; 2009). Thus the authenticity of the data may be questioned. The use of reviewers may assist in guarding against researcher bias and certifying the results of such a study (Willis & Carmichael, 2011). Computerized versions of these methods also present the added issue of participant confidentiality, which could possibly be compromised by illegal on-line activity (Coughlan et al., 2009). Participants in any such studies need to informed about the risks to their privacy. While computers and the internet greatly facilitate the speed and distribution of interactions with study participants, they also present additional problems in security and confidentiality. This may negatively influence subjects' desire to participate.

Coughlan, M., Cronin, P., & Ryan, F. (2009). Survey research: process and limitations. International Journal Of Therapy & Rehabilitation, 16(1), 9-15 7p.

Willis, B., & Carmichael, K. D. (2011). The lived experience of late-stage doctoral student attrition in counselor education. The Qualitative Report, 16(1), 192-207. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/docview/854985075?accountid=7374

DQ3

Some of the ethical issues that can arise during a research study are what should be researched, how the research should be conducted, evidence collection, openness with doctoral students, integrity of the research, authorship, plagiarism, peer review, fudging references, choosing a sample, assistance from others, measuring instrument construction, misrepresentation of work done, and discovery of unethical practices (Remenyi, 1998). The objective of the doctoral program and the university is to establish the doctoral student by demonstrating that he or she is, at least to some extent, an authority in the selective field of study. To ensure that I am abiding by all ethical standards, I will need to have a clear understanding of the research methodology. This should be achieved in such a way that there is no harm done to the university by the research process.One of the best ways researchers can avoid and resolve ethical dilemmas is to know both what their ethical obligations are and what resources are available to them. Toolsthat are available to ensure ethical compliance is the code of ethics from the university. Grand Canyon University (GCU) has a strict set of ethical standards. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) ensures that all GCU-conducted research meets the highest ethical standards and complies with federal regulations. All researchers are required to submit their request to the IRB. Guidelines for GCU researchers are provided in the Institutional Review Board Handbook" (GCU, 2012).

References

Grand Canyon University. 2012. Retrieved from https://lc-grad2.gcu.edu

Remenyi, D. (1998). Central ethical considerations for masters and doctoral research in business and management studies. South African Journal of Business

Management, 29(3), 109. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=1370174&site=eds-live&scope=site