Glossary Of Terms

Accountability 

In the context of research governance, accountability entails researchers and research institutions taking responsibility for the ethical conduct, integrity, and outcomes of their research activities. This includes adhering to regulatory requirements, ethical guidelines, and best practices in research methodology. Accountability in research governance also involves transparency in reporting findings, acknowledging conflicts of interest, and ensuring that research benefits society while minimising potential harm. 

Ethics dumping 

Ethics dumping is a term used to describe situations when researchers from privileged settings offshore unethical research to lower income settings. It can happen on purpose, but also due to lack of awareness and cultural misunderstandings. Probably the best-known type of ethics dumping is the application of double standards, where exploitative practises that are not accepted in a high-income setting are used in a lower income setting. 

Methodology 

Methodology refers to the systematic methods or procedures used in a particular field of study or discipline. It encompasses the principles, techniques, and rules for conducting research or investigation within that field. It can be regarded as a framework for planning, executing, and evaluating research activities. 

Methods 

In research, the term ‘methods’ refers to the specific tools or processes that are used for data collection or analysis. For instance, methods might take the form of a survey, interviews or experiments. 

Trustworthiness 

Trustworthiness in the research context refers to the credibility, reliability, and integrity of the research process and its outcomes. It encompasses adherence to ethical standards, transparency in methods and reporting, consistency in findings, and the avoidance of biases or conflicts of interest. Trustworthiness is essential for establishing confidence in research results among peers, stakeholders, and the broader community. 

Stewardship 

In the research context, stewardship involves the ethical and responsible management of research resources, including funding, data, facilities, and intellectual property. It entails ensuring that these resources are used efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with established guidelines and ethical standards. Stewardship in research also involves promoting the integrity of the research process, fostering collaboration, and safeguarding the interests of participants, stakeholders, and the broader community.