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^{(Original in German by DGSKA, see: https://www.dgska.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/DGSKA_Ethik-Reflexionsfragebogen.pdf, translated by Saskia Köbschall)}

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Research Ethics – Reflection Questionnaire

^{To be completed before field research and discussed with a supervisor or peer.}

This document by the German Society for Social and Cultural Anthropology is based on the „Frankfurt Declaration“ on research ethics in social and cultural anthropology as well as on the guidelines of the DGSKA on research ethics. Combined with the aforementioned documents, this reflection questionnaire should be completed by ethnological researchers before beginning their research in the context of a discussion with supervisors or colleagues. The reflection questionnaire is to be treated as a confidential document between the participants in the conversation. If needed, only the confirmation form (p. 8) is intended for submission to ethics committees.

Researchers

Name:

Contact Information:

Field Research Locations:

Talked to …

Name:

Contact Information:

Professional Relationship with Researchers: – Supervisor: – Peer: If possible, the supervisor/peer should be knowledgeable about the research region.

Since this form is to be completed and discussed in a peer-to-peer dialogue before field research, the answers reflect only the project plans and the researcher’s information about the research context at the time of signing. The research process in anthropology/social and cultural anthropology is based on ethnographic methods and often requires situational adaptations. In such cases, decisions made on-site should be informed by ethical self-reflection prompted by this document. Researchers in anthropology/social and cultural anthropology are also advised to read the DGSKA ethics declaration before and, if necessary, during their research.

Participants in the peer-to-peer dialogue commit to confidentiality.

Note: If it is not possible to answer one of the questions at this time, please provide the reasons.

Title of the Research Project:
List of All Field Research Locations:
Time and Duration of Field Research:
Collaboration with Local Universities, Research Institutions, and/or Individual Researchers:
Project Description: Please state the scientific relevance of your project. Briefly describe your methodology.
Description of Participants and Research Partners: Please describe your main selection criteria regarding the participants in your research (e.g., age, gender, education, profession). Please indicate whether and to what extent participants’ ability to consent might be impaired. Also state how participants will be selected and approached to participate in your project. If co-researchers (or field assistants) are involved in the consent process, specify their experience and/or qualifications.
Are there any children and/or individuals with special protection needs among the participants (i.e., persons considered vulnerable, disabled, or not legally capable of entering into agreements locally)? If yes, please elaborate: – According to which criteria are they defined as children and/or particularly vulnerable persons in their respective socio-cultural context? For children, it should be noted that the criteria for the social age of a person may vary from country to country and even within a country. – Are you aware of existing legal regulations on research with children and/or vulnerable persons in both Germany and your research country? How do you plan to handle potential discrepancies between these regulations in your research? – How do you plan to obtain consent for research involving children and/or particularly vulnerable persons (e.g., through parental or guardian consent)?
Unequal Social Relationships Affecting the Research: Describe, as far as possible, what type(s) of unequal relationships between you and the project participants exist or could arise. Unequal relationships can refer to an unequal distribution of power (e.g., due to age, gender, ethnicity, social status) and access to resources. Please also discuss how you intend to address ethical research questions that arise from these inequalities.
Is there a risk of criminal prosecution for the participants (including the researcher) due to their participation in the research? If yes, please explain why potentially criminally relevant data might be collected in the research and how risks for the participants will be minimized.
Will you obtain the participants’ consent before participation? If yes, please describe the process, including whether the consent will be obtained verbally or in writing. If not, please explain why you are choosing not to obtain consent.
How will your project data be managed? Describe the form of data management and storage throughout the research process: (a) during the data collection phase; (b) during analysis, presentations, and publications; (c) during data storage; and (d) if applicable, during the destruction of the data. Please also indicate whether the data will be non-anonymized, pseudo-anonymized (i.e., potentially identifiable), or fully anonymized (i.e., not identifiable). Do you plan to discuss the publication of your data with your conversation partners? Do you expect any issues in this regard?
What are the main ethical challenges related to your research, and what steps will you take to address them? Please do not state “none.”
Other Considerations Related to Research Participants: Are there any potential risks or disadvantages for participants during the research process? If yes, how can these be minimized?
Additional Questions and Topics Raised During the Discussion that Should Be Considered in the Research:

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Consent:

Researcher: Name
Title of the Research Project:
List of Field Research Locations:
Time and Duration of Field Research:

Researcher:
I have completed the reflection questionnaire on research ethics relevant to my field research. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the information provided is truthful at this time.

Location and Date:
Signature:

Discussion Conducted With…

Name:

Professional Relationship with Researchers: – Supervisor: – Peer:

Supervisors or Peer Discussion Partners:
I confirm that I have discussed potential ethical questions related to the research thoroughly with the researcher. The information contained in this form provided by the DGSKA reflects the discussion.

Location and Date:
Signature: