Ethics in Social Science Research | Three Case Studies | Outlander Ethnography 3

Summary

This video explores the ethical dilemmas faced by field researchers, particularly in ethnography, when cultural interventions conflict with the desire to produce knowledge. It follows researcher Claire’s case studies, discussing the challenges of balancing moral decisions with scientific observation. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding the shifting dynamics in ethnographic research environments and the need for careful consideration of how actions might be perceived. Drawing from theorists like Clifford Geertz, it highlights that ethical decisions in fieldwork require ongoing reflection and cannot be reduced to a single rule.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ethical dilemmas are a significant part of ethnographic research, especially when interacting with local cultures.
• 😀 Claire's actions throughout *Outlander* provide valuable case studies on the ethical challenges faced by field researchers.
• 😀 Cultural interventions, even when well-intentioned, can violate local customs and affect a researcher's credibility.
• 😀 Researchers must always weigh the potential harm of their actions on the community they are studying.
• 😀 While Claire's interventions are often questionable, they can still be defensible within certain ethical frameworks in anthropology.
• 😀 Ethnography requires balancing the goal of producing knowledge with respecting the cultural norms and beliefs of the studied group.
• 😀 Gertz’s concept of ‘detachment’ in ethnographic work is about maintaining a balance between moral reactions and scientific observation.
• 😀 The ethical decision-making process for ethnographers can be complicated, as different situations may call for different ethical responses.
• 😀 There is no universal ethical standard for all ethnographic situations; researchers must adapt to the context of their work.
• 😀 Claire’s intervention in the case of the abandoned infant on the fairy hill highlights the challenge of intervening in cultural beliefs while trying to save a life.

Q & A

What ethical dilemma is Claire facing in the field of qualitative research?

Claire faces the ethical dilemma of balancing her desire to intervene and help others with the need to respect local cultural norms and maintain the integrity of her research. She is caught between producing knowledge and avoiding cultural interventions that might violate ethical boundaries.

How does the concept of cultural intervention play into Claire's research?

Cultural intervention refers to actions that might alter or influence the community Claire is studying. For instance, her involvement in medical practices and addressing cultural practices could be seen as intervening in the local society, which complicates the ethical considerations of her role as an observer.

Why is it important for researchers to avoid cultural interventions in qualitative research?

Avoiding cultural interventions is important because interfering with the local culture can distort the research and possibly cause harm or unintended consequences. It is vital for researchers to respect the autonomy of the community and the cultural norms that shape their social structure.

What role does ethical non-intervention play in ethnographic research?

Ethical non-intervention ensures that researchers do not influence or alter the behaviors, practices, or social dynamics of the community they study. It promotes the collection of data in an unbiased, neutral way while respecting the rights and traditions of the people being studied.

How does Clifford Geertz’s view on detachment relate to Claire's actions?

Clifford Geertz argues that detachment in ethnography does not stem from a lack of caring but from a form of caring that allows researchers to maintain a balance between moral reactions and scientific observation. This view suggests that Claire's interventions, though well-intended, could disrupt her ability to observe ethically and may be seen as a failure to maintain detachment.

What is the tension between moral perception and scientific observation mentioned in the video?

The tension arises when a researcher must balance their moral judgments with the need to observe a community without interfering. As moral awareness deepens, the researcher may face greater conflict between doing what feels ethically right and what is required for scientific observation.

Why is it difficult to determine what ethical action is acceptable in ethnographic research?

Ethical action is difficult to determine in ethnography because research environments are constantly evolving. Researchers must make live decisions based on context, and there is no one-size-fits-all rule that can guarantee the ethical correctness of every action in every situation.

How can a researcher ensure their actions are ethically defensible in the field?

A researcher can ensure their actions are ethically defensible by thoroughly understanding their research environment, staying informed about the community's cultural norms, and carefully considering how their actions may be perceived by the people they are studying.

What is the role of the ethical research board in the context of Claire's actions?

The ethical research board can approve well-informed, well-intentioned interventions, even if they violate indigenous cultural norms, but only if the researcher reframes their research to account for the effects of their actions. This highlights the importance of ethical review in guiding researchers' decisions.

What is the key message from the video regarding ethics in qualitative research?

The key message is that ethical research requires careful consideration of the balance between knowledge production and respecting cultural norms. While intervention may sometimes be necessary, researchers must remain aware of the potential impact of their actions on the community and strive to maintain a non-interventionist approach wherever possible.