Ethics in research with older, disabled individuals

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Ethics in Research
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Ethical considerations are paramount when conducting research with vulnerable populations, particularly older adults and individuals with disabilities.
• Power imbalances between researchers and participants pose longstanding ethical challenges.
• Traditional research paradigms may not adequately address the dignity and protection of disadvantaged groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore ethical concerns in research with older and/or disabled populations.
• To introduce emancipatory research as a suitable approach for studying these groups.
• To demonstrate how emancipatory research can mitigate oppression and alienation.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of ethical concerns in research with vulnerable groups.
• Introduction of emancipatory research as a post-positive, post-interpretive methodology.
• Analysis of how this approach can be applied to older and disabled populations.

Main Results:

• Emancipatory research provides a framework for ethical engagement with older and disabled populations.
• This approach can prevent participant oppression and alienation.
• It offers a strategy to minimize conflicts arising from dual researcher roles.

Conclusions:

• Emancipatory research is a valuable paradigm for ethically conducting studies with older and disabled individuals.
• This methodology upholds participant dignity, welfare, and protection.
• It addresses power imbalances and potential researcher role conflicts effectively.