Restrictions and Ethics
Restrictions
Ethics
Transparency & wellbeing
Case study research is often conducted on site, in education this usually means in schools. Entering these spaces with the intent to observe necessitates an invasion of personal space and privacy. It is important that researchers prepare a brief, an accessible and transparent account of the study, so that participants and people responsible for those spaces are able to give informed consent (Stake, 1995, pp. 57-58). In relation to children or vulnerable people in particular, not only is a higher level of ethical approval needed for the study, but parental/guardian consent is also required in most situations. Roller & Lavrakas (2015, p. 305) note that some researchers might be hesitant to divulge details of the research plan as to avoid influencing the participants and compromising the authenticity of the data. They go on to stress that the wellbeing of the participants much be the first priority for the researcher. Honestly is a key factor in research ethics and so any planned deception relating to the research purpose would require a solid justification to succeed in the complex ethics approval process that it would need to go through.
Be alert to evolving situations
Researchers ought to be aware of the potential relationships that can build between themselves and any participants over the course of the study. This is especially important when the participants may have chosen to share vulnerabilities or have developed an emotional investment in the project. Roller & Lavrakas (2015, pp. 305-306) recommend a scheduled debriefing session at the end of the data collection phase, to allow all parties to share how they are feeling, for the participants to ask questions and for the researchers to ensure that the participants feel adequately supported.
Awareness of bias
Yin (2014, p. 90) warns that it is imperative for case study researchers to be aware their own bias whilst conducting a study, in order to avoid consciously or subconsciously attempting to validate preconceived notions. He goes on to explain that it is a researcher's ethical responsibility to avoid bias insofar as is possible within all stages of the project.
Academic integrity
Above and beyond all specific and technical requirements that must be met, to maintain high ethical standards, a researcher should act with integrity and academic scholarship. This includes demonstrating respect and consideration for all participants, peers and utilised research that has been authored by other academics (Yin, 2014, p. 92).
Participant privacy
Another important consideration for case study researchers is how to manage the sensitive information gathered. Researchers are likely to be exposed to and collect many detailed accounts of the research subject, all such data needs to be handled with care and confidentiality. This would likely include striking a balance between maintaining all pertinent data, omitting or de-identifying other data where possible and prioritising the privacy agreements made with all relevant parties (Roller & Lavrakas, 2015, pp. 304-305).