Considerations for research ethics boards in evaluating qualitative studies: lessons from an ethnographic study with adolescent females.

Abstract

Research ethics boards (REBs) have traditionally been required to evaluate quantitative research proposals. They are, however, increasingly facing the need to evaluate the ethical implications of proposals involving qualitative research. This article discusses one form of qualitative research, ethnography, in light of possible ethical concerns. It suggests ways in which ethical issues may be addressed, and provides examples drawn from an ethnographic study of adolescent girls' health concerns in their dating relationships. Recommendations for REBs are included.