Informed Consent in Social Sciences Research: Ethical Challenges

Abstract

Informed consent is a critical procedure for the fulfilment of the ethical dimension in scientific research in social sciences. On the basis of a stance centred in Sociology research practices developed by the authors, this paper reflects on informed consent, its relevance in research, and procedures involved in its production and its concomitant implications. The reflection on the research process is stressed, emphasising the need to not consider the informed consent procedure as something that is fulfilled only once, but rather as something that integrates both the research process and its product and that, therefore, should be continuously considered and assessed throughout research.