Originally Posted by
dinloth
Exactly. It will take time. As for the ethics form, I must say I don't have a clue what you mean. I feel bad about it and kinda silly but I'm just a research student and I'm aware of the fact that this survey will be in many aspects technically faulty. E.g. I'm not using any of the tools of statistics. I just analyse the responses. They say that a proper survey should have at least a sample of 200 people and so on. But my supervisor said that even 7 people will be alright.
Please, explain it to me because I may be doing something wrong and I appreciate suggestions.
I assume you are not from the UK. Basically, any and all research involving humans must undergo ethical approval. So they discuss possible pitfalls and then decide whether or not to grant you that approval. They are there to ensure that the research in conducting in a safe and professional manner and that the participants are fully aware of what they are doing and giving their informed consent. When it comes to children (anyone under 18) or 'vulnerable adults', there is another dimension that tries to ensure their safety because of issues of informed consent and legality.
Research usually comes with a consent form (online it might just be a tick box or a click to the next page) and an information sheet telling the participant what the project is, what it's purpose is, what you hope to achieve, whether data will be confidential or not, possible risks to the participant, that participation is voluntary (and what you will do with the data if they withdraw), and how the participant can contact you if they have questions, or who to contact if they have a query about you (usually a supervisor or department head).
Basically, ethics are annoying but essential in covering your own back as well as that of the participants.