An exploratory study on research ethics at the interface of health sciences amongst postgraduates at a University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal
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Abstract
Research ethics are essential in terms of safeguarding research participants and
maintaining the integrity of the scientific inquiry. It includes principles and guidelines
designed to protect participants' rights and welfare while promoting ethical behaviour
among researchers. In the Health Sciences, research ethics are crucial in terms of its
direct impact on human health and the well-being of participants.
Despite the importance of research ethics, there is a significant lack of research and
literature related to the readiness of postgraduate students in South Africa to address
ethical challenges in their research. No studies have explored this readiness at the
selected University of Technology.
This study investigated how postgraduate students conceptualised research ethics in the
Health Sciences. Using a qualitative research design, data was collected through online
interviews with fifteen postgraduate students from various disciplines within the Faculty
of Health Sciences at the University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal, in 2022.
The findings indicated that postgraduate students had a reasonably good understanding
of research ethics in health science research. However, the study revealed that these
students faced challenges in addressing critical ethical issues in their research.
Additionally, there were varied experiences regarding supervision during the research
process and differing perspectives on the training received in research ethics. The
findings suggested a critical need for a dedicated research ethics module to be included
as part of the postgraduate curriculum
Description
Submitted in fulfilment of the requirement of the Degree of Master of Health Science at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.
Citation
DOI
https://doi.org/10.51415/10321/6028