In sociological research, do the ends justify the means ?

In Sociological Research, Do The Ends Justify The Means ? Discuss. This essay intends to define the purpose of ethics, ethical issues and considerations in research methods. It will look at the differences in research methods and various case studies to support them, but mainly focusing on participant observation. The definition of 'ethics' in the "Oxford Concise Dictionary" (1995) states a set of moral principles adj. 'ethical' - relating to morals esp. as concerning human conduct; morally …

…the results as reflecting anything more than a personal perspective. In summary, a balance needs to be found between the benefits of the research and the risks involved with the methods of research employed. Homan (1991) concluded "whilst ethical considerations can and often do deter research from taking place, at times individuals will convince themselves that the research end justifies the means, or even when they do not another 'less scrupulous practitioner' may undertake the research."