Abstract
In the expanding field of studying computer-mediated interactions, the ethical implications of conducting research ming human subjects are an inherent issue. These ethical concerns are increased when the population under study is a relatively powerless, marginalized, and highly persecuted group. The ethical problems are further compounded when the researcher does not share in the world-view, or goals of the research subjects. Since 1992, I have med computers to monitor, contact, and interview White Racialists {sic} in order to combat their efforts. However, this does not relieve me of my ethical obligations as a sociologist: to protect my subjects, to fully disclose my research intentions, and to give voice to my subjects. Guidelines for distinguishing public from private records in cyberspace are presented, and the ethical obligations associated with using cyberspace data are discussed.
Journal Title
Iowa Journal of Communication
Volume
31
Issue
1
First Page
68
Last Page
76
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Schroer, Todd J.
(1999)
"Studying Your Enemy: Ethical Guidelines for Online Research,"
Iowa Journal of Communication: Vol. 31:
No.
1, Article 9.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/ijc/vol31/iss1/9
Copyright
©1999 Iowa Communication Association
