Ethics in qualitative research.

PURPOSE

To critically examine ethical issues in qualitative research.

ORGANIZING CONSTRUCT

The ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice are guides for researchers to address initial and ongoing tensions between the needs and goals of the research and the rights of participants.

METHODS

Research literature, ethics literature, and researcher experiences.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethical principles can be used to guide the research in addressing the initial and ongoing issues arising from qualitative research in order to meet the goals of the research as well as to maintain the rights of the research participants.