THE SPIRIT, process, and form of qualitative research
are woven together with the gossamer
thread of ethics. A break in the thread can lead to a
weakening or even destruction of the cloth. As Parahoo
(1991) states, the means and consequences of research
are very much guided by a research ethic. Although
ethical consideration and issues impact quantitative
research, they do so in unique and more
fragile ways in qualitative research.
In qualitative research, questions of ethics arise
within the context of the shifting focus of the study,
the unpredictable nature of the research and the trust
relationship between the researcher and the participant.
Because many dilemmas are resolved in private
by appeals to the conscience of the researcher, forethought
and sensitivity are needed about how ethics
influences the totality of the research.