Ethical theories in doctoral students’ discussions of ethical dilemmas in research

Author

Prince Ekene Nnaemeka

Description

Prince Ekene Nnaemeka’s Masters thesis at the University of Helsinki investigated how doctoral students approach ethical dilemmas in light of three common ethical theoretical frameworks. The results showed that doctoral students predominantly employed deontological arguments. Consequentialist considerations frequently complemented these arguments, while virtue ethical arguments were less prevalent. The research provides suggestions of how to encourage multifaceted exploration of ethical dilemmas in research as well as mindful use of ethical theories in case-based RE/RI training.  

Seventeen doctoral students discussed six ethical dilemmas in a collaborative online setting. Deductive thematic analysis was employed to identify and analyse how ethical theories emerged in the students’ discussions.

Nnaemeka’s Masters thesis contains analysis of data collected in the BEYOND BAD APPLES project.