Attachment and bullying - Essay Example

Informed consent was taken into consideration at the start of any research project (Shank, 2002). Consent is about participants making a reasonable choice to take part in the study, and, as such, their aspirations need to “fit” with the goals of the research (Mason, 1997). The researcher made sure that the participants were fully informed. In addition the researcher discussed the potential consent form with their supervisor and colleagues. The researcher also had the form submitted to the university’s research ethics committee.

This highlighted to the researcher potential ambiguities in meaning, confusing sentences and missing information that are likely to invalidate the measures (Patton, 2000). It was predicted that the present study would extend understandings about gaining informed consent from participants, and would add to the debate of this issue within the social science research community. Hence, this study’s final thesis was to provide clear and concise information to the procedures for gaining participant consent, and also set out to contribute discourse on this topic, and to inform readers.

Additionally, it was expected that the potential for this research to be published would contribute to legal and ethical issues relating to research with humans, as well as public accountability and encouraging the practice of reporting consent procedures to stimulate ethical debate (Mason, 1997). Informed consent requires the awareness of the researcher that participation is dependent on an individual’s understanding of the goals of the study, and what is expected of the participant. Informed consent ensured respect for the dignity of the participant (Mack et al., 2005). Coercion into participation was avoided at all costs, as the study requires that participation be voluntary (Penslar, 1995).

Thus, informed consent was to ensure the well being of participants as its priority. Additionally,