To achieve RDGQ 5, the research degree graduate:

is committed to ethical action and social responsibility as a researcher in a discipline or professional area and as a leading citizen.

Generic indicators

A research degree graduate will:

• be aware of ethical obligations to self, family, the research community and society generally
• be aware of ethical dilemmas likely to arise in research and professional practice
• be able to identify issues and social responsibility and sustainability that arise from the implications of new knowledge generated in their research area.

Developing and demonstrating this RDGQ

Here you can describe any activities undertaken and assurances provided to ensure your research was conducted ethically. This can include both practical and procedural aspects of the research, as well as philosophical or conceptual questions addressed in the research process.

Your commitment to ethical action and social responsibility is developed, and is demonstrable in:

• methodological rigour
• processes for ensuring confidentiality and consent of research subjects
• processes for ensuring ethical research involving animals, biohazards, human tissue
• processes for ensuring secure data storage
• careful avoidance of unethical reporting and publishing practices (plagiarism, data fabrication and falsification, redundant publication, sending the same article to two or more journals, text recycling, copyright infringements, misleading ascriptions of authorship, acknowledging without consent)
• subjecting research findings to peer review before making confirmed knowledge claims to the wider public
• making peer reviewed research findings accessible to the public (including online storage of research proposals and thesis, and preparation of reports for external organisations)
• following up with research subjects when promised
• reframing research problems and concepts to be more inclusive
• scholarly exploration of, and contribution to wider social issues and values such as democracy, peace, tolerance, participation, equity
• support activities undertaken to ensure the above.