In the context of research, what should social workers avoid doing?

In the context of research, social workers must adhere to high ethical standards. Conducting research that disregards these standards is fundamentally problematic because it undermines the integrity of the research process and can harm participants, both physically and psychologically. Ethical standards in research are designed to protect the dignity, rights, and welfare of participants. Violating these principles can lead to significant consequences, including harm to individuals involved, loss of public trust, and potential legal issues for researchers.

In contrast, the other options emphasize positive, ethical practices. Designing research to include participant consent processes ensures that individuals are aware of, and consent to, their involvement, protecting their autonomy. Involving participants in discussions about results promotes transparency and respects their contributions to the research. Using feedback to enhance future research is a practice that values participant insights and improves the overall quality and relevance of research findings. Together, these practices enhance the ethical foundation necessary in social work research, while disregarding ethical standards represents a significant deviation from these best practices.