ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with ethics in practice-based research through an empathetic lens. It focuses on identifying with others involved in research by seeing and understanding their involvement from their perspective and building an ethical approach from such inter-relationships. This chapter explores basic ethical principles that are relevant for researchers in general and discusses potential dilemmas for practice-based researchers from such a lens. Ethics and research ethics play a role in every research project, whether practice-based or not. A key point is that acting ethically does not equate to acting lawfully, despite obvious overlaps. Often, general rules are guidance only, and much is left to the judgement, behaviour and integrity of the researcher. Through this chapter, the reader–practitioner–researcher should
Obtain an idea and awareness of the ethical issues that may become relevant in her respective field of work and research.
Get a sense of the different angles and perspectives on ethics in the often interdisciplinary field of practice-based research.
Be able to develop an idea on the various steps in professional work and research from the angle of ethics.
Be ready to break down general ethical principles into concrete, step-by-step decisions.
Understand that such concrete judgements need to be part of an overarching position that informs these decisions.
