SEP3707
ASSIGNMENT 2
SEMESTER 2 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2026
, Criminal Justice Research Methodology - SEP3707
Assignment 2 Semester 2 2026
QUESTION 1
Refer to Addendum A1 of UNISA’s Policy on Research Ethics and explain the
following ethical principles.
1.1 Informed and non-coerced consent
Informed and non-coerced consent means that participation in research must be
voluntary and based on sufficient information that enables a prospective participant to
make an independent and informed decision about whether to participate. According to
the University of South Africa (UNISA), participation must be based on freely given,
specific and informed consent. Participants should receive adequate information about
the purpose of the research, what their participation will involve, possible risks and
benefits, how their information will be processed and any other information necessary
for making an informed decision. Participants should also have an opportunity to ask
questions and receive understandable answers before deciding whether to participate
(UNISA, 2024).
The principle of non-coercion means that researchers must not force, pressure, threaten
or improperly influence people to participate. Direct or indirect coercion and undue
inducement should be avoided because these can interfere with participants' autonomy.
Participants must also be free to refuse participation or withdraw from the study at any
stage without giving a reason and without suffering penalties or negative consequences.
UNISA further distinguishes legitimate reimbursement, such as reasonable transport
costs, from inappropriate inducements intended to influence participation (UNISA,
2024).
For example, in a study involving elderly robbery victims, the researcher should explain
the purpose of the study, the nature of the interview, possible emotional discomfort and
the participant's right to stop the interview at any time. The researcher should not
ASSIGNMENT 2
SEMESTER 2 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2026
, Criminal Justice Research Methodology - SEP3707
Assignment 2 Semester 2 2026
QUESTION 1
Refer to Addendum A1 of UNISA’s Policy on Research Ethics and explain the
following ethical principles.
1.1 Informed and non-coerced consent
Informed and non-coerced consent means that participation in research must be
voluntary and based on sufficient information that enables a prospective participant to
make an independent and informed decision about whether to participate. According to
the University of South Africa (UNISA), participation must be based on freely given,
specific and informed consent. Participants should receive adequate information about
the purpose of the research, what their participation will involve, possible risks and
benefits, how their information will be processed and any other information necessary
for making an informed decision. Participants should also have an opportunity to ask
questions and receive understandable answers before deciding whether to participate
(UNISA, 2024).
The principle of non-coercion means that researchers must not force, pressure, threaten
or improperly influence people to participate. Direct or indirect coercion and undue
inducement should be avoided because these can interfere with participants' autonomy.
Participants must also be free to refuse participation or withdraw from the study at any
stage without giving a reason and without suffering penalties or negative consequences.
UNISA further distinguishes legitimate reimbursement, such as reasonable transport
costs, from inappropriate inducements intended to influence participation (UNISA,
2024).
For example, in a study involving elderly robbery victims, the researcher should explain
the purpose of the study, the nature of the interview, possible emotional discomfort and
the participant's right to stop the interview at any time. The researcher should not
