Ethical practitioner research in design and technology education: developing a position and checklist for an action research project

This paper reviews the ethical issues that need consideration when carrying out a piece of research as a practitioner/researcher. This is based on the lead author’s own action research. The paper presents the background to the ethical debate and the practitioner/researcher’s professional role and the potential for bias – objectivity/subjectivity. Ethical issues are reviewed in connection with the subjects of the research – school staff and pupils with reference to their confidentiality, anonymity and possible withdrawal. The paper concludes with consideration of the legal implications of carrying out practitioner research in the UK. Finally the authors present a framework for checking ethical issues.