Scientific merit and research ethics

It is widely accepted that scientific merit and research ethics are closely related. And yet, while the ethical principles that guide research are uncontested, the meaning of scientific merit is open to interpretation based on one's philosophical perspective and research tradition. When adherents of the natural science tradition use the criteria of that tradition to evaluate research situated in the human science tradition, misunderstanding and misjudgment will result. This unfortunate situation has negative implications for the flourishing of human science nursing and, ultimately, may deprive society of opportunities to benefit from humanistic practice aimed at enhancing the quality of life for recipients of healthcare. In such circumstances, it behooves nurses committed to human science nursing to continue to vigorously articulate and pursue their values and ethics concerning nursing research and healthcare.