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GCSE Sociology · key term
Research in which the people being studied are unaware that research is taking place.
Used by AQA and Eduqas
Paper 1, Paper 2
Research in which those being studied do not know that research is taking place or that the person observing them is a researcher.
Revise: Ethical Issues in ResearchIn covert research, people do not know they are being studied. This may help researchers observe behaviour that would change if people knew they were watched, or investigate settings that are otherwise closed to them. However, it prevents informed consent and may invade privacy.
Component 1
When evaluating covert research, weigh its possible research benefits against the loss of informed consent; do not assume that useful findings automatically justify it.
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Research carried out without those being studied knowing that they are being researched.
Covert research prevents people from giving informed consent beforehand because they do not know they are being studied. This is a serious ethical objection: it removes their opportunity to choose and may intrude on their privacy.
