IRM1501
ASSIGNMENT 1 (SEMESTER 1)
DUE DATE: 19 March 2025
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than March 2025. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTION 1
Ethical Principles in Research and South African Legal Examples
Research ethics play a crucial role in ensuring that studies involving human participants, animals, or
sensitive data are conducted responsibly. Ethical principles guide researchers in maintaining
integrity, fairness, and respect for participants' rights. In South Africa, research ethics are governed
by national and institutional guidelines, as well as legislation such as the National Health Act 61 of
2003 and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) 4 of 2013. These laws ensure that
research conducted in the country meets international ethical standards.
The fundamental ethical principles in research include informed consent, beneficence, non-
maleficence, confidentiality, justice, and scientific integrity. Each of these principles will be
examined in detail, with relevant South African legal examples where applicable.
1. Informed Consent
Informed consent is the process by which research participants are fully informed about the nature,
risks, and benefits of a study before agreeing to participate. It ensures that participation is voluntary
and that individuals understand what their involvement entails.
ASSIGNMENT 1 (SEMESTER 1)
DUE DATE: 19 March 2025
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than March 2025. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTION 1
Ethical Principles in Research and South African Legal Examples
Research ethics play a crucial role in ensuring that studies involving human participants, animals, or
sensitive data are conducted responsibly. Ethical principles guide researchers in maintaining
integrity, fairness, and respect for participants' rights. In South Africa, research ethics are governed
by national and institutional guidelines, as well as legislation such as the National Health Act 61 of
2003 and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) 4 of 2013. These laws ensure that
research conducted in the country meets international ethical standards.
The fundamental ethical principles in research include informed consent, beneficence, non-
maleficence, confidentiality, justice, and scientific integrity. Each of these principles will be
examined in detail, with relevant South African legal examples where applicable.
1. Informed Consent
Informed consent is the process by which research participants are fully informed about the nature,
risks, and benefits of a study before agreeing to participate. It ensures that participation is voluntary
and that individuals understand what their involvement entails.
