Research ethics

Abstract

Chapter 3 of Performing Music Research explores the guiding principles on which ethical codes are based. These can be summarized as follows: people should not be harmed, nor their rights and dignity compromised, and research must be of scientific value and carried out with integrity. These issues must be considered and addressed in the earliest stages of research and in light of the potential benefits of the findings of the research to society. The chapter reflects on the philosophical underpinnings of ethical research and outlines the process whereby ethical approval is typically sought and obtained, with reference to a selection of codes of research ethics published by professional associations and regulatory bodies that guide and inform research activity.