Toward ethical research practice with deaf participants

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Science
• Disability Studies
• Research Ethics

Background:

• Growing criticism regarding unethical research conduct within Deaf and signing communities.
• Lack of empirical data on ethical concerns from diverse stakeholder perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate ethical concerns and recommendations from Deaf participants, researchers, and Deaf studies experts.
• To inform ethical guidelines for research involving marginalized communities.

Main Methods:

• Empirical investigation using focus group discussions.
• Analysis guided by grounded theory and community-based participatory research principles.

Main Results:

• Identified critical need for linguistically and culturally sensitive research procedures.
• Highlighted importance of protecting the rights of Deaf research participants.
• Revealed necessity for increased representation of Deaf scientists in research.

Conclusions:

• The scientific community must integrate ethical, culturally sensitive practices in research design.
• Revising collaboration models between Deaf and hearing researchers is essential.
• Prioritizing the rights and perspectives of Deaf individuals in research is paramount.