Unit 8: Ethical Issues in Research with Students

6. Balancing Research Goals with Student Wellbeing

Researchers must weigh the potential educational benefits of their study against any risk or burden placed on students. Key considerations include:
·       Avoiding research designs that increase anxiety, stress, or unfair workload.
·       Ensuring that no group of students is disadvantaged by the research process.
·       Being sensitive to power dynamics—students may feel obligated to participate because their teacher is the researcher.
💡 Ethical Tip: Even if a project meets institutional ethical standards, it may still feel intrusive or uncomfortable to students. Always prioritize student wellbeing over research outcomes.