Visual Ethics: Ethical Issues in Visual Research

This review outlines the key ethical issues with which visual researchers need
to engage, drawing on literature from established visual researchers as well
as practical illustrations from current research projects being undertaken
within the National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM). Its focus is on the
ethical issues associated with research using photographs, film and video
images (created by researchers, respondents or others) rather than other
visual methods. It is intended as an introduction to assist researchers in
identifying what ethical issues might arise in undertaking visual research and
how these might be addressed. The review commences with an outline of
research ethics frameworks, professional guidance, regulation and legal rights
and duties which, to varying degrees, shape visual researchers’ ethical
decision making. It then goes on to explore the core ethical issues of
consent, confidentiality and anonymity and discusses the ethical
considerations that these raise with examples of how these can be managed.
The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the ethical issues raised in
relation to the construction and consumption of images. The authors stress
the importance of researchers engaging with theories (or approaches) to
research ethics in their ethical decision making in order to protect the
reputation and integrity of visual research.