Ethics and Reflection Essay

The internet is a research tool that is important in the 21st Century. This is because it allows access to millions of people within thousands of databases with crucial information and it is easier to update new findings. There is, however, the issue of ethics when it comes to using internet research. One of the challenges is that of autonomy which focuses on the rights and decisions of an individual. It is essential to have the consent of a subject before carrying out a study. Failure to do so implies that the research and all of its contents can be deemed illegal (Eysenbach & Gill, 2001). I agree that beneficence is a pivotal ethical issue in internet research. It is crucial to consider the benefits offered to the participant while at the same time ensure that the study poses no harm. With the revelation of the person's identity, there could be stress, pain, and suffering. I believe that every research must, therefore, have consideration for justice for the subjects. This condition implies the use of an appropriate selection criterion as well as posing similar research questions to avoid bias and prejudice (McGee, 2008). Coercion is unacceptable and is not only wrong ethically but also morally.

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Compliance refers to upholding decisions of participants in research. For this reason, there are set standards in research to guide the respondents to make the best decisions. This implies that the participants are safe from autonomy. I understand that it is the researcher's responsibility to explain all details and effects of the research. In seeking permission, coercive tactics should not be employed, and in the case of minors, parental consent must be obtained. For special interest groups and the vulnerable, there are regulations to be followed to ensure that the research is conducted professionally and legally (Grady, 2018).

In my opinion, I agree that consent is a primary necessity for the research to be termed as legal and professional. For the findings to hold value, then it is vital to ensure that the data was obtained ethically. The cases of wrongful acquisition of information through platforms such as Facebook and other social media have in the past resulted in lawsuits. Such studies are usually proven illegitimate. For instance, one of the trending issues currently involves Facebook's data leak to a research firm, "Cambridge Analytica." This firm has taken part in general elections in various countries, the fact that they obtained data without consent has hurt their credibility, and it will be tough to rely on them for unbiased studies.

The topic of ethical issues in internet research is relevant in my field of study. This is because understanding the link between research and business management. I believe that at some point, I will be put to task to perform studies and hence, adherence to ethical issues will be a priority. For instance, testing of new products requires the gathering of data from an unforced group of people. At the same time, through internet research, fair distribution can be guaranteed and hence meet all consumer demands (Sekaran & Bougie, 2016). With professional and legal studies, it is possible to predict the company's failure and take appropriate preventive action. Such research parameters may involve studying competition to emulate strategies for success (Universal Teacher, n.d). It is therefore that while conducting any research study over the internet or in person, it is essential to adhere to ethics not only for professional reasons but also for legal purposes.

References

Eysenbach, G., & Till, J. E. (2001). Ethical issues in qualitative research on internet communities. BMJ, 323(7321), 1103-1105.

Grady, C. D. (2018). Ethical Principles in Clinical Research. Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, 19-31.

McGee, P. (2008). Ethical Issues in Using the Internet in Research: Commentary. Research Ethics, 4(3), 117-119.

Sekaran, U., & Bougie, R. (2016). Research methods for business: A skill building approach. John Wiley & Sons.Universal Teacher (n.d). Importance of Research in Business Management. Retrieved from http://universalteacher.com/1/importance-of-research-in-business-management/