ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the application of ethic of care principles to research practice. It focuses on a research partnership between a voluntary-sector organisation for older people and a university research centre. The chapter draws on how an ethic of care framework, based on the interconnected principles of attentiveness, responsibility, competence, responsiveness and trust can be applied to develop research practice, taking as focus a research project which considers concepts and experiences of well-being amongst older people. It describes how the research relationship has evolved before going on and discusses how have applied ethic of care principles to the research practice. As co-researchers they have been fully involved in developing the research design and in carrying out interviews and focus groups with participants. The principles outlined offer context-specific ways of understanding and responding to both the ethical challenges of undertaking research and to the relational aspects of well-being identified by older people during the course of the work.
