Work

Mind the ethics gap: Embedding research ethics into student fieldtrips to conflict and development settings

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper suggests that conducting research in conflict and disaster affected societies with student groups as part of higher education programmes can offer a valuable opportunity to enhance research ethics training in political sciences and international relations courses. Research visits allow students to critically reflect on their roles in knowledge production processes, their own positionality and to develop key skills such as reflective practice. Although research visits are inherently fraught with ethical dilemmas, engaging students with these dilemmas can be an initial step towards more ethical research practices in academia and beyond. This teaching note explores some of these ethical dilemmas of student research visits and concludes with practical suggestions for organising such trips to avoid common pitfalls. In addition, it outlines pedagogical strategies, particularly daily debriefs, to foreground ethical practice.

Source: Politics

DOI: 10.1177/02633957251344550

Author: Birte Vogel

Institution: University of Manchester

Language: English

Topic: Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650