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Handbook of Applied Developmental Science in Sub-Saharan Africa pp 231–257Cite as

Ethical Issues in Conducting Child Development Research in Sub-Saharan Africa

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Abstract

Research into how children develop in Africa and what enhances and hinders development is of critical importance to shape conducive environments where children can achieve their full potential. In this chapter ethical issues that arise when allowing the voices of children to be heard through conducting child development research in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are considered. While some of the ethical challenges experienced in Africa are common in child development research internationally, some have a uniquely developing world or African flavor to them. Examples from the field are used to illustrate typical ethical challenges experienced in child development research in SSA and the ways that researchers are responding to them. The first section of the chapter focuses on identifying the principles that guide ethical research practice internationally and in Africa. The principles identified are respect for children, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice. Each principle is then considered in turn with respect to how to give effect to them and how to navigate the ethical challenges or dilemmas that arise in research practice. Lastly, enabling factors (e.g., capacity-building and reflexive practice) that foster the establishment of a culture of ethical research practice are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Higher Education Access and Development Services, Nelson Mandela University, Summerstrand Campus, Port Elizabeth, 6001, South Africa

    Cheryl D. Foxcroft

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  1. Cheryl D. Foxcroft
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Correspondence to Cheryl D. Foxcroft .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Culture Studies, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands

    Amina Abubakar

  2. Department of Culture Studies, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands

    Fons J.R. van de Vijver

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Foxcroft, C.D. (2017). Ethical Issues in Conducting Child Development Research in Sub-Saharan Africa. In: Abubakar, A., van de Vijver, F. (eds) Handbook of Applied Developmental Science in Sub-Saharan Africa. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7328-6_13

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