Questions to Consider when Planning L&T Research

Potential Dilemmas	Questions to Consider
Conflicts of Interest and Power Relationships	“Could any part of the research design interfere with the effectiveness and/or credibility of an instructor and/or with students’ interests and/or ability to learn?" “Are there ways in which participating in this research - or not - might be something that students feel like they had to do? If so, why?” “Could a third-party help with the consent and data collection process to mitigate power-differentials?”
Consent Process	“What would you want to know before making a decision about participating in this research?" “In what ways might students feel compelled to participate or compromised in their ability to withdraw from the study without consequence?”
Fairness and Equity	“Are there any individuals or groups that this research might directly or indirectly exclude?" “How can I be sure that the results of this study can be accessible to all participants?"
Privacy and Confidentiality	“Are there ways in which this research design might, in any way, compromise participants’ confidentiality?" “Are there adequate safeguards to protect participants’ information and data?" “Have I obtained informed consent from all students’ whose data I am using in this study, regardless of when said data was collected?”

Adapted from Fedoruk, L. (2017). Ethics in the scholarship of teaching and learning: Key principles and strategies for ethical practice. Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning Guide Series. Calgary, AB: Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning at the University of Calgary.

Centre for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL)