What should researchers do to ensure ongoing ethical compliance?

Developing clear ethical guidelines is crucial for researchers to ensure ongoing ethical compliance. These guidelines serve as a framework that outlines the expected standards and principles related to the treatment of participants, data management, and the overall research process. By establishing these guidelines, researchers can promote transparency, respect participants' rights, and ensure that their work adheres to ethical norms and regulations.

Clear ethical guidelines also facilitate informed consent, where participants fully understand what their involvement entails, the use of their data, and their rights during the research process. Additionally, these guidelines help researchers navigate potential ethical dilemmas, providing a reference point for decision-making throughout the study.

Other approaches, such as limiting interaction with participants or focusing solely on data collection, do not address the comprehensive ethical considerations necessary for responsible research practices. Similarly, publishing results with minimal information can undermine the integrity of the research and the trust of participants, who deserve to understand how their contributions were used and presented.