Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

After course completion, candidates should be able to:

• recognize ethical issues and challenges in various stages of the research process

• reflect on the nature of ethical issues in research

• understand and apply the ethical guidelines of the Norwegian National Committee for Research Ethics in the Social Sciences and the Humanities

• evaluate the ethical quality of research and how ethical quality can be improved

• identify and manage relevant ethical issues

Skills

After course completion, candidates should be able to:

• develop research is ethically justifiable

• integrate ethical concerns in research

• carry out research in line with the ethical standards and expectations of business-oriented fields

• articulate and justify the ethical choices that are embedded in research and methodological choices

General Competencies

After course completion, candidates should be able to:

• engage in dialogues, critical reflections, and problematization efforts linked to research ethics

• ensure that research designs are ethically justifiable

Contents

This course aims to develop PhD students’ ethical skills and knowledge in relation to research involving human subjects frequently encountered in business-oriented disciplines (e.g., managers, consumers, companies, and data from such and other stakeholders) and other ethical aspects linked to academic publishing practices. The course introduces various perspectives in the overarching topic domain of research ethics as well as ethical challenges and the many benefits stemming from doing ethically sound research. Ethical challenges linked to certain research projects by those taking the course will be continuously discussed during lectures, seminars, and other educational activities.

The course covers the following topics:

• What is research ethics?

• Ethical issues in the social sciences

• Ethical standards, expectations, and institutions in the social sciences

• Safeguards and measures that can improve the ethical quality of research

• Evaluation the ethical quality of research

• Ethics in the publication process

• How can knowledge of research ethics enable good research practices

Teaching and learning methods

The course is taught as a combination of lectures, seminars, structured conversations, paper writing, and oral presentations.

Examination requirements

Attendance of at least 80% of all lectures, seminars, and other course activities; presentation of term paper in class; and mandatory oral presentations during lectures and seminars.

Examinations

Written, individual term paper

Student evaluation

Dialogue between the course leader and the students after completion of the course
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 3:16:08 PM