Qualitative research in sport sciences: is the biomedical ethics model applicable?

Olivier, Steve; Fishwick, Lesley

Abstract

Research in sports science has historically been grounded in positivist traditions. This means that ethics committees may not be adequately sensitized to the ethical problems posed by qualitative research. Qualitative researchers may thus be disadvantaged in the research approval process. Our paper argues that the traditional biomedical ethics model may not always be appropriate in evaluating qualitative proposals. Due to the nature of its methods, qualitative work may have emergent and ongoing ethical issues that require consultation and resolution. We argue that, contrary to the judgements of many ethics committees, methods such as deception and covert observation can be justified if certain conditions are met. In reaffirming a commitment to the overarching ethical principle of respect for persons, we conclude that researchers need to recognize and plan for ethical issues in their work. Likewise, ethics committees need to recognize that qualitative work poses unique problems, but that these need not necessarily be insurmountable obstacles to project approval.

Citation

OLIVIER, S. and FISHWICK, L. 2003. Qualitative research in sport sciences: is the biomedical ethics model applicable? Forum: qualitative social research [online], 4(1), article number 12. Available from: https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-4.1.754

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 31, 2003
• Online Publication Date: Jan 31, 2003
• Publication Date: Jan 31, 2003
• Deposit Date: Jan 26, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 26, 2022
• Journal: Forum: qualitative social research
• Electronic ISSN: 1438-5627
• Publisher: Institut für Qualitative Forschung
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 12
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-4.1.754
• Keywords: Sport sciences; Research methods; Research ethics
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1579405