2.6 Ethical Issues and Limitations of Sociological Research

LO 2.6: Discuss the limitations of social science research.

Ethics are the moral principles and standards that guide one’s everyday conduct. Like other professionals, sociologists follow codes of ethics that govern their work. In most cases, for example, they must secure the approval of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)before conducting research with human subjects. Most universities have an IRB that includes other researchers from other disciplines who review research plans for ethical concerns.

Photo 2.8

Sociologists and Other Professionals Follow a Code of Ethics