Question 1: Define the term 'ethics' in the context of sociological research.

Answer: Ethics in sociological research refers to the moral principles that guide researchers to conduct their studies in a way that is respectful, honest, and considerate of participants' rights and well-being.

Question 2: Explain why obtaining informed consent from participants is important in sociological studies.

Answer: Informed consent is important because it ensures that participants are fully aware of the nature of the research, any potential risks, and their right to withdraw at any time, thus respecting their autonomy and protecting their well-being.

Question 3: Identify two ethical issues that might arise when conducting covert observations.

Answer: Two ethical issues are: (1) Lack of informed consent, which violates participants' rights, and (2) Potential invasion of privacy if sensitive or personal information is collected without permission.

Question 4: Describe a scenario where confidentiality might be compromised during a sociological study. How should the researcher handle this situation?

Answer: A researcher discovers that a participant has committed a crime during the study. To handle this ethically, the researcher should maintain confidentiality unless there is a legal obligation to report it, and consider the potential harm to the participant and others before revealing any information.

Question 5: Why is it important for sociologists to avoid causing harm to their participants? Provide an example of potential harm.

Answer: Avoiding harm is important to protect participants' physical and emotional well-being. For example, asking sensitive questions about personal experiences could cause emotional distress or trauma.

Question 6: Identify and explain two ways a sociologist can ensure their research is ethical.

Answer: They can ensure ethical research by obtaining informed consent from participants and guaranteeing confidentiality of the data collected.

Question 7: Draw a simple diagram to illustrate the process of obtaining ethical approval before starting a sociological study. Label the stages involved.

Answer: A correct diagram would include stages such as: Planning research ➔ Submitting ethical proposal to ethics committee ➔ Review and approval ➔ Conducting research.

Question 8: Sketch a visual representation of a researcher explaining the purpose of the study to a participant, ensuring that the participant understands what they are consenting to.

Answer: A sketch should show a researcher and a participant facing each other, with the researcher holding a document (the consent form) and speaking clearly. The participant appears attentive and engaged.

Question 9: Discuss the potential ethical dilemma if a researcher finds that a participant is providing false information during an interview. What should the researcher do?

Answer: The dilemma involves balancing honesty with respect. The researcher should gently probe for clarification, remind the participant of confidentiality, and decide whether to continue the interview or address the discrepancy ethically.