Leedy and Ormrod (2010: 101) state that whenever human beings, or other creatures with the potential to think, feel and experience physical or psychological distress, and are the focus of
an investigation, close attention has to be paid to the ethical implications of the proposed exercise. Ethical consideration is important in research, as in any other field of human activity. The principles underlying research ethics are universal and concerns issues such as, honesty and respect for the rights of individuals (Welman, Kruger & Mitchell, 2005: 180). The researcher explained the responsibility to adhere to the ethical obligations of the research study. Ethical conduct of the researcher means a non-judgmental attitude and the proper treatment of participants.
4.3.1. Voluntary participation
The researcher explicitly informed all the participants that their participation was fully voluntary and that they could withdraw from the study at any time, without penalty. The researcher also clarified that no benefits, rewards or reduction in sentences would be forthcoming for the participation of the incarcerated participants. The researcher ensured that no individual was forced to participate in the research study. This was of particular importance given the daily environment of the incarcerated participants. Non- participation was only evident with the partners, as nine of them were not prepared to disclose their personal life information or expose their adolescent children to the scrutiny of the research study. Some partners also revealed that they were not interested participating in the study as they have grown apart from the incarcerated participants. The researcher respected the wishes of the partners and no one was forced to participate in the research study.
4.3.2. Informed consent
The scope and purpose of the study was explained to all the participants. The participants were provided with a consent form before any interviews were conducted. Parental consent was required for all the adolescent children to participate in the research study. The adolescent children aged 13-17 years; each completed an assent form as well, agreeing to be part of the study. All the partners and adolescent children also completed a focus group confidentiality form. All participants were legally and psychologically competent to give consent.
The consent form attached as Appendix D, gave the participants an outline of how the study would be conducted and the professionalism attached thereto. The participants were ensured that their humanity will not be neglected and that they could withdraw
from the study at any time, without prejudice. The participants were also assured of complete privacy and confidentiality regarding all recordings and information shared, which would be kept in a secure location, free from exposure. The participants were finally informed that, should any challenges occur, they had the right to question anything regarding the study.
The assent form attached as Appendix E, is a form specifically created for the adolescent participants, which gave them a straightforward, basic, age appropriate and easy to understand summary of what the research study was all about. The adolescents were encouraged to read the outline of the form with the assistance and support of a parent. They were also assured that participation was voluntary, without any obligation. They were advised that by forming part of this study, they would assist with the comprehending of the children’s experiences of having an incarcerated, biological father. They were also guaranteed that this study did not form part of any school project or test, and that they would not be harmed in the process. Finally, they were given full control over the signing of the form and the decision to participate or not.
4.3.3. Human participants’ protection
The partners and adolescent children, who participated in this research study, were protected by ensuring that the process was not coerced or manipulated and that all the study guidelines were followed. The participants were informed of the procedures and provided with the information, within a reasonable time period, prior to interviews. The researcher’s primary responsibility was to protect the participants from physical and mental harm, during the focus groups. Support was available to all the participants, in the event of emotional harm.
4.3.4. Anonymity and Confidentiality
The researcher assured the protection of all participants by adhering to the anonymity agreement, in order to protect the identity of the research participants and preserve the confidentiality of the information obtained. Anonymity meant that no names, addresses were taken during the interviews, and none of the data gathered, could be linked to a specific participant. Contact numbers were only provided by the incarcerated participants (fathers) so that the researcher could contact the partners and adolescent children for participation in the study.
Wiles, Crow, Heath and Charles (2006: 4) state that the confidentiality of data can be seen to include the following:
maintaining confidentiality of data/records;
ensuring the separation of data from identifiable individuals;
securely storing the code linking data to individuals;
ensuring that those who have access to the data maintain confidentiality (e.g. the research team, the person who transcribes the data);
not discussing the issues arising from an individual interview with others in ways that might identify an individual;
not disclosing what an individual has said in an interview;
Anonymising individuals and/or places in the dissemination of the study to protect their identity.
The researcher ensured the confidentiality of all sensitive information shared by the participants and ensured that no one else had access to the information. The data collected was handled confidentially and all participants remained anonymous. The field notes and tape recordings were handled in confidence and destroyed upon completion of the research study. The researcher guaranteed that no participant would be harmed by the study and confirmed that every participant was competent and emotionally fit to participate. It was important for the researcher to reaffirm that counselling services would be available to participants, if required. All incarcerated participants understood that participating in the research study would not secure any favour for parole purposes or have any positive outcome on their sentence; hence no false hope was created by the researcher. The researcher provided the participants with feedback on the research study upon completion.