This course is a part of HF's PhD Week.
Course description
This course addresses the complex ethical dilemmas that might occur when doing research about the Internet, through the Internet or collecting data via the Internet. The course will consist of two parts. First we look in plenary at the general rules and guidelines for Internet research, the relationship between GDPR and Ethics. We will also get familiar with some known cases and dilemmas, engaging in discussion. Then we discuss dilemmas and considerations emerging from PhD candidates’ own work and try to solve these together.
This is a 1 ECTS course.
Course preparation
Course participants will read about 100 pages of mandatory readings and select at least 200 pages of your own choice from the list of suggested readings.
Participants will write a brief (2 pages) statement explaining:
- Their research topic and if available research questions/hypotheses
- Their proposed method(s) and material/data in some detail
- The dilemma/challenge/problem they would like to discuss. This could be an experience, a foreseen challenge or as a precautionary measure.
The text should be uploaded to Canvas by 23 May.
In class
Your reflections will be the starting points for our discussions. Expect an interactive and problem-driven day filled with intellectual engagement with core issues and problems in internet research ethics.
Professor Elisabeth Staksrud (IMK), Internet researcher and former chair of the National Research Ethics Committee for Humanities and Social Sciences (NESH) will facilitate the discussions.
Language
The course language is English, including reading responses and essays. We will switch to Norwegian in class if everyone is able to follow what is being said.
Required readings
The National Committee for Research Ethics in the Social Sciences and the Humanities (NESH) (2018). A Guide to Internet Research Ethics (24 pages)
Franzke, Aline Shakti, Bechmann, Anja, Zimmer, Michael, Ess, Charles and the
Association of Internet Researchers (2020). Internet Research: Ethical Guidelines 3.0. (83 pages)
In addition, all participants are required find three articles (or book chapters) that address an ethical issue, dilemma, or principle they find particularly relevant to their work. The personal reading list should be uploaded to Canvas by 23 May.
The selected readings from the course participants will also be part of a resource base and will be shared with all course participants before we meet. The personal reading list for the course comes in addition to the required readings.
Registration
Registration opens 20 February. Candidates admitted to the PhD programme at HF are given priority if signing up before 1 March.
Course Convenors:
Contact person: Elisabeth Staksrud
IMK, responsible Department