Ethics in social science 7,5 Credits

Aim

The aim of the course is to provide an orientation on contemporary research ethics; principles, perspectives, theory, and applications of ethical issues on research applicable to social science.

Course objectives

After completing the course the student is expected to:
• Through writings and seminars show knowledge in the major areas of ethics in research; issues, principles and rules with a particular emphasis on human research
• Give evidence of knowledge about how to apply ethical standards in different research projects.
• Through writings and seminars show knowledge of ethics in the researchers role in research planning and methodology
• Demonstrate ability to apply the conventions, agreements, principles laws and regulations regarding research ethics to contemporary research problems
• To be able to pinpoint ethical dilemmas in own and other research, and to suggest solutions in such situations

Content

Fundamentals in moral philosophy will be covered as well as the emergence of research ethics as based on ethics in social sciences. Reviews of the ethical principles governing research on humans, mainly in the social sciences, health sciences and the humanities, and the corresponding inventory of laws and government guidance relevant to research, will be included. Special attention is given to problems relating to sensitive personal data, data protection, and research on vulnerable groups, storage, archiving and honesty in research. Recent cases of suspected scientific dishonesty are discussed. Graduate students are assumed, in addition to the common literature, to immerse themselves in research ethics problems in various applied areas.

The course will give the opportunity to discuss advantages and problems on ethical principles for research, from both a national and an international perspective, as well as Swedish laws and regulations in the area. Ethical dilemmas in different kinds of empirical research are discussed and evaluated.

Entry requirements

A person meets the entry requirements for the course if he or she has been admitted to a third-cycle study programme and will be given credit for the course in that study programme.
(Äldre gymnasiebetyg)

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Teaching is in the form of lectures and seminars, discussions, and independent literature studies on ethical problems related to the student’s dissertation project, evaluating the body of knowledge in research methods and ethics regarding the subject of study. Approaches to problems which the participants have elected to reflect on will be discussed during the seminars.

Examination form

Examination in the form of a written presentation covering the body of knowledge in ethics regarding a specific subject of study. Presenting a discussion on an ethical problem and suggest possible solutions at a seminar. Design an admit to the ethical reviewboard on the subject. Attendance is compulsory.

Grading system

Fail (U) or Pass (G)