I chose to focus my research on surveys, another method approach I plan to use in my research project. I selected a chapter from Floyd Fower’s book called, Survey Research Methods. In particular, I reviewed the chapter on ethical issues and took a look into some ethical issues that arise when conducting surveys. The chapter overviewed the responsibility that a researcher must take in order to remain ethical and protect the participants of the survey. A main idea of the chapter was that no external consequences should effect any participants or possible participants. As a researcher, the goal is to be transparent, and handle information with the utmost care. In today’s age, many surveys are conducted online or through mobile apps, yet the same ethical guidelines still remain. Researchers need to make sure information is secure, and that identifying information between informant and their responses are able to be separated and used within the agreed upon confidentiality. Surveys are important for research because they empower participants in the research process, and can give first hand responses to whatever social phenom the researcher is studying.
In correlation with my project, I am continuing the path of studying effects of the NIL on NCAA student athletes. Since the regulation is relatively new in terms of studying and research, surveys are a perfect way to get first hand responses from those who the NIL directly affect. Just like Madison Ostrick conducted her research, I too aim to conduct surveys amongst student athletes, and I want to do so ethically and safely. In regards to the NIL and money, there is the possibility for a lot of sensitive information, and the need for confidentiality. Floyd’s Fower’s chapter on ethical survey methods really gave me a very descriptive and straightforward approach to be as ethical as possible from the researcher’s perspective. Also, Floyd Fower’s, Survey Research Methods, also has many other chapters that I can use as a reference for any other questions I might have about this method. It was definitely a useful source of information outside of the textbook that can guide me during my research process!
Source:
https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/WM11AwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1
Reference:
Fowler, Floyd J. Survey Research Methods. SAGE, 2013.