Changing horizons: The ethical challenges of fully informed research respondent consent
Location
1049
Format Type
Event
Format Type
Paper
Start Date
January 2018
End Date
January 2018
Abstract
This paper uses Heidegger’s (1962) and Gadamer’s (1998) concepts of hermeneutics to explore the complex relationship between researcher and respondent and their shared experiences through interaction in interview processes. Ethical considerations related to the balance of power and lasting change in respondents are discussed whilst problematizing the concept of truly informed consent. The paper draws on the researchers experience of undertaking a qualitative based study founded in the principles of phenomenological hermeneutics (Gadamer, 1998; Heidegger, 1962). The research which concluded successfully in 2016, had been studying the impact that pedagogical training programs had on respondent’s teaching practice and engagement with professional learning. All respondents were experienced lecturers working in the adult education sectors of Scotland and Wales (UK). Upon project conclusion, several respondents contacted the researcher to share their post interview experiences. The research was not designed to elicit change in respondents nor influence professional choice or practice. However, each communication received independently accredited participating in the research as the source for renewed interest and engagement in professional learning. Although research interviews becoming an enriching experience for respondents is a recorded phenomenon (Kvale, 1996), the ascribed effects were profound, potentially life changing, and not fully anticipated. The paper explores important questions related to ethical considerations for researchers designing and undertaking interview based research.
Gadamer, H. 1998. Truth and Method 2nd ed., New York: Continuum.
Heidegger, M. 1962. Being and time (Original ., New York: Harper.
Kvale, S. 1996. The Interview Situation. Interviews: An Introduction to Qualitative Research Interviewing, pp.124–159.
Changing horizons: The ethical challenges of fully informed research respondent consent
1049
This paper uses Heidegger’s (1962) and Gadamer’s (1998) concepts of hermeneutics to explore the complex relationship between researcher and respondent and their shared experiences through interaction in interview processes. Ethical considerations related to the balance of power and lasting change in respondents are discussed whilst problematizing the concept of truly informed consent. The paper draws on the researchers experience of undertaking a qualitative based study founded in the principles of phenomenological hermeneutics (Gadamer, 1998; Heidegger, 1962). The research which concluded successfully in 2016, had been studying the impact that pedagogical training programs had on respondent’s teaching practice and engagement with professional learning. All respondents were experienced lecturers working in the adult education sectors of Scotland and Wales (UK). Upon project conclusion, several respondents contacted the researcher to share their post interview experiences. The research was not designed to elicit change in respondents nor influence professional choice or practice. However, each communication received independently accredited participating in the research as the source for renewed interest and engagement in professional learning. Although research interviews becoming an enriching experience for respondents is a recorded phenomenon (Kvale, 1996), the ascribed effects were profound, potentially life changing, and not fully anticipated. The paper explores important questions related to ethical considerations for researchers designing and undertaking interview based research.
Gadamer, H. 1998. Truth and Method 2nd ed., New York: Continuum.
Heidegger, M. 1962. Being and time (Original ., New York: Harper.
Kvale, S. 1996. The Interview Situation. Interviews: An Introduction to Qualitative Research Interviewing, pp.124–159.
Comments
Breakout Session F