There is only two ways to disseminate research findings including detailed research reports and executive research summaries.

Mentors do not guide you through the research process, share their experiences and point out opportunities and obstacles but just help you search for information in the library or proofreading your work.

There are three sets of governing norms: ethical standards, state and professional standards.

The network of regulatory bodies is small. Research institutions, research councils, community and professional boards, and sponsors of the research never impact the process of research.

Ethical principles are intended to guide the behavior of participants and offer security and protection to researchers.

Confidentiality involves a clear understanding between the researcher and participant concerning how the data provided will be used. Confidential information implies that the identity of the individual will remain anonymous.

Ethics are complicated. No single law exists to regulate research ethics, nor is this particularly desired. Today’s ethics are rooted in both moral and legal grounds, and despite the best intentions of individual researchers and the collective body of research councils, institutions, boards and committees, problems still exist.

Conflict of interest exists when a researcher’s personal interests influence the objectives of a study, the ability to make fair judgements or relationships are put at risk.

The regulatory bodies set standards of conduct, require certificates of ethics and have the power to veto research projects. Today’s researcher is bound by these regulations, as well as their personal codes of ethics.

The responsibility for ethical research has moved from the sole domain of the individual researcher to the collective domain of regulatory boards, councils and committees who control both ethical and professional standards.