Identifying Factors Influencing Upholding Research Ethics from the Perspective of Postgraduate Students: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Research ethics is a branch of professional ethics that deals with the ethical principles guiding the research process from the beginning to the end. Ignoring ethical issues in research sometimes occurs unintentionally and simply due to a lack of awareness regarding professional research ethics. Therefore, this study aimed to identify facilitators and inhibitors of adherence to ethics in research conducted by postgraduate students at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. This qualitative study was conducted using an inductive content analysis approach. The target population included postgraduate students at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 29 students who were selected using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using the method proposed by Diekelmann et al. For data validation, Strauss and Corbin’s method was utilized. Factors influencing adherence to research ethics included individual and personality traits (accuracy and ethical conduct of students and professors and having sufficient information about research ethics) and environmental factors (information dissemination and familiarity with research methods, the professors’ interactions with students, confidentiality of information, strictness of professors, having a clear framework from the university, respecting students’ rights, and establishing deterrent regulations). Strengthening facilitators and mitigating inhibitors of adherence to research ethics requires joint efforts from students, professors, and the university. Students need to develop accuracy and awareness, and professors should serve as ethical role models. University officials are required to create and propose clear frameworks for adhering to ethics, to be followed by all individuals involved in research.