Dialogue or Domination? Reflection on the Ethics of Field Research

Abstract

The article attempts to define and problematize ethical models used in field research. The model of good research culture is the most widespread. Its features include the underlying concepts of an autonomous rational subject and the universalism of morality, which lead to following strict abstract rules and standards of consequentialist nature; the attitude towards neutrality, objectification and detachment of a researcher towards a respondent; strict institutional control affecting research funding; the tendency to restrict researchers’ freedom. 
The ethical model of dialogue is based on the opposition to the dominant model. The features of the dialog model include the mutual influence of ethical and methodological aspects of research; the need for their open discussion by the professional community in order to control and adapt to the constantly changing conditions of social reality; the lack of pre-formulated ethical norms and standards applicable to particular situations; the principle of dominance of heteronomy over autonomy; the attitude towards communicative subordination of an interviewer to a respondent.
The paper concludes that both models express fundamentally different cognitive strategies. The model of good research culture is monological and one-dimensional, it tends to dominate a person; the dialog model seeks to affirm a diversity of worldviews, which contributes to the social recognition of the uniqueness of individuals and groups. In order to preserve and enhance the heuristic potential of field research, it is necessary to discuss their ethical and methodological foundations among the professional community