The "over-researched community" : an exploration of stakeholder perceptions and ethical analysis.
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Date
2010
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Abstract
Research in resource-limited, multi-cultural contexts raises complex ethical concerns. The term ‘over-researched
community’ (ORC) has increasingly been raised as an ethical concern and potential barrier
to community participation in research. However, the term lacks conceptual clarity and is omitted from
established ethical guidelines and academic literature. In light of the concern being raised in relation to
vitally needed HIV prevention research in developing countries, a critical exploration of the meaning of
the notion was undertaken.
Guided by Emanuel et al.’s (2004) eight principles for ethically sound research in developing countries,
this study explored the relevance and meaning of the terms ‘over-research’ and ‘over-researched
community’ through a thorough review of ethical guidance documents and analysis of key stakeholder
perspectives. In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 resource persons from research ethics
committees, community advisory boards and research organisations in South Africa. Interviews were
transcribed and translated where necessary and data were analysed thematically.
‘Over-research’ was found to reflect a conglomeration of ethical concerns, often being used as a proxy
for existing ethical concepts. ‘Over-research’ might be interpreted to mean exploitation. However,
exploitation itself could mean a range of different things. ‘Over-research’ seemed fundamentally linked
to disparate positions and perspectives between different stakeholders in the research interaction,
arising from challenges in inter-stakeholder relationships. Analysis of the data suggests that using the
term may lead to an obscured understanding of real or perceived ethical transgressions, making it
difficult to intervene to address the underlying concerns. It is recommended that the term not be used
in research ethics discourse. However, because it represents other legitimate concerns, it should not
be dismissed without careful exploration.
Description
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.
Keywords
Social sciences--Research., Research--Moral and ethical aspects., Communities--Research., Research--Social aspects., Theses--Psychology.