ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the problem of the research bargain, in the context of possible solutions to the problem of publication. It considers A. Shils' argument before concluding that there is no reasonable basis for avoiding conflict over publication by failing to include the items that will provoke conflict. The chapter considers the possibility that the relationship between the social scientist and those he studies contains elements of irreducible conflict. It discusses the reasons why some reports of social science research do not contain conflict-provoking findings and suggest some possible ways of dealing with the problem. The social scientist's decision to publish will also is affected by his determination of the degree of harm that will actually be done to a person or group by the publication of data about them. Publication of field research findings often poses ethical problems.
