Methodological innovation and research ethics: forces in tension or forces in harmony?

Nind, M, Wiles, R, Bengry-Howell, A and Crow, G (2013) 'Methodological innovation and research ethics: forces in tension or forces in harmony?' Qualitative Research, 13 (6). pp. 650-667.

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1468794112455042

Abstract

This article is an exploration of the tensions inherent in the interaction between ethics and methodological innovation. The authors focus on three cases of innovation in qualitative research methods in the social sciences: netnography, child-led research and creative research methods. Using thematic analysis of data collected through semi-structured interviews with the innovators and commentators on the innovations, they discuss issues of ethical responsibility, democratisation of research, empowerment and the relationship between research and the academy. This article highlights the ways in which innovation is about reflexivity as well as new techniques. It shows how innovation may be about managing risk rather than taking risks: the innovators are cautious as much as creative, operating within a culture in which procedural ethical regulation acts to limit methodological development and in which they (and other users of their method/approach) communicate the safe qualities alongside the innovative qualities of their approach.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: child-led research, creative methods, ethics, methodological innovation, netnography, risk
Divisions: School of Sciences
Related URLs:
Date Deposited: 03 Feb 2016 12:14
Last Modified: 15 Aug 2021 09:41
ISSN: 1741-3109
URI / Page ID: https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/7150
Request a change to this item or report an issue Request a change to this item or report an issue
Update item (repository staff only) Update item (repository staff only)