Research Design Methods And Applications
Businesses often conduct research to maximize profits as well as to understand their competitive edge. There are a number of considerations when preparing and conducting research for a business – biases, reviewing credible sources, and ethical considerations. Throughout the research process it is important to recognize and remove personal biases in order to provide a balanced and thorough review. Another important consideration is to review and utilize sources that are reliable and provide objective information. It is also important to think about the ethics of your research. Being honest, respecting the integrity of data, and being objective help to ensure the credibility of research.
Utilizing the Internet, CTU Library, and your textbook, choose 1 example (or use one of those listed below) of unethical research in a business setting, and discuss the following:
Explain why research might be considered unethical.
Share your research topic and explain ethical considerations when conducting your research.
Sample Solution
Unethical Research in Business: Fabricating Data in Marketing Research
Example: A marketing research firm is hired by a food company to assess consumer preferences for a new line of health snacks. To meet a tight deadline and secure future business with the company, the research firm fabricates some of the data, showing a much higher level of consumer interest than actually exists.
Why is this Unethical?
This research is unethical for several reasons:
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- Deception: The research firm is deliberately misleading the food company with false data.
Full Answer Section
- Wasted Resources:The food company will base its marketing strategy and product development on inaccurate information, potentially leading to wasted resources and financial losses.
- Harm to Consumers:Consumers may be exposed to a product they don't actually want or need, and the company may not be addressing true consumer needs.
- Erosion of Trust:Unethical research practices erode trust between businesses, research firms, and consumers.
- Survey Design:The survey instrument should be well-designed, unbiased, and avoid leading questions.
- Participant Selection:The sample population should be representative of the target consumers to avoid skewed results.
- Data Collection:Data should be collected honestly and accurately, without manipulation or fabrication.
- Informed Consent:Participants should be informed about the purpose of the research and their right to withdraw at any point.
- Confidentiality:Participant data should be kept confidential and anonymous.
- Transparency:The research methodology and findings should be transparently reported.