Overcoming ethical barriers to research with hidden social groups

Machin, Helen; Shardlow, Steven M

Abstract

Researchers engaged in studies about “hidden social groups” are likely to face several ethical challenges. Using a study with undocumented Chinese migrants in the UK, challenges involved in obtaining approval by a University Research Ethics Committee (REC) are explored. General guidance about how to resolve potential research ethics issues, with particular reference to “hidden research groups”, prior to submission to a REC is presented.

Citation

Machin, H., & Shardlow, S. M. (2017). Overcoming ethical barriers to research with hidden social groups. Research Ethics, https://doi.org/10.1177/1747016117739938

• Acceptance Date: Oct 3, 2017
• Publication Date: Nov 14, 2017
• Journal: Research Ethics
• Print ISSN: 1747-0161
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1747016117739938
• Keywords: research ethics, hidden social groups, qualitative research, undocumented migrants, Chinese migrants
• Publisher URL: https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/journal/research-ethics