Dr Chris Jones

To cite this reference: Jones, C. (2011) Ethical issues in online research, British Educational Research Association on-line resource. Available on-line at [INSERT WEB PAGE ADDRESS HERE] Last accessed [insert date here]

This resource provides a brief introduction to online research ethics. This is a rapidly changing and interdisciplinary field in which established ethical procedures need constant reconsideration. The resource reflects on some general arguments about ethics in online research and considers why this field has different ethical concerns to many traditional environments. It then examines three key issues in the context of online research: privacy and public availability, anonymity and confidentiality, and informed consent. The resource provides references and links to further sources including Web sites that will contain updated material, an important consideration in a research area that changes so quickly.