Ethical Standards of Covert Observations

• In Event: Ethical Challenges in Communication Research Practice: International Perspectives

Abstract

Communication research provides several areas where covert observations are implemented, e.g. processes in newsrooms, recipients' use of mass media, media selection processes and media effects. However, compared to disciplines as anthropology, sociology or educational sciences, observations are conducted less frequently here. Due to the application of new technical observation procedures such as eye tracking and the rise of online communication as new research field over the last decades, covert research gained further importance. As covert observations offer insights into people’s natural behavior and actions, applying covert research techniques requires elaborate reflection of ethical aspects, particularly due to the lack of informed consent of participants (Spicker, 2011). Against this background, this paper first reflects on international ethical codes and guidelines applied in disciplines where covert research is part of the methodological standard repertoire. On that basis, requirements and methodological implementations of ethical covert observations in communication research are carved out and further discussed.

Bibliography
Spicker, P. (2011). Ethical Covert Research. Sociology, 45, 118-133.

Authors

• Stephanie Geise, U of Erfurt

• Nicole Nadine Podschuweit, Universitaet Erfurt