Scientific research is the tool through which a country advances and a nation prospers. It is the means to achieve sustainable development, and it is also a necessity for keeping up with developed nations. Therefore, scientific research has ethics that must be adhered to in order to guide and direct research in the right direction. If scientific research is not conducted in the correct scientific manner, its structure will deviate, and its results will lose their value, preventing the intended benefits from being achieved.
Scientific progress in various fields requires values and ethics. Scholars have agreed that each field of knowledge has its own etiquette, ethics, and well-established rules that must be followed. If a researcher disregards the ethics of scientific research, they will compromise the scientific integrity of their work. The ethics of scientific research require respect for the rights, opinions, and dignity of others.
The general principles of research ethics include "positive action" and "avoiding harm." These two values must serve as fundamental ethical pillars in the research process. There are also other ethical principles, such as credibility, trust, and consideration for the feelings of others.
A researcher's scientific ethics are reflected in a set of moral principles and obligations related to their research activities. They must adhere to the responsibilities and duties required by scientific research to ensure that neither they nor their work is subject to criticism. Additionally, the researcher must uphold scientific integrity in citation, accurate interpretation, and the required precision in research methodology.
The more a researcher embodies these scientific qualities, the greater the certainty that they will succeed in their research endeavors. The absence or weakness of research ethics leads to severe consequences for both individuals and society. For this reason, the University of Fallujah has developed this guide to establish the fundamental principles of research ethics for scholars.
