BM631 Research Methods: Ethical Issues in UK Clothing Retail CSR

This report critically reflects on the ethical considerations of a research proposal focused on how corporate social responsibility (CSR) affects consumer behavior in the UK clothing retail sector. The report outlines the research aim and objectives, which include identifying the influence of CSR activities on consumer buying behavior across different retail clothing brands. It details the chosen positivism approach and questionnaire-based methodology for data collection, emphasizing the use of primary data from respondents in London and secondary data from company websites. The report thoroughly addresses ethical considerations, discussing challenges in obtaining ethical approval and ensuring voluntary participation. It emphasizes the importance of respecting autonomy, privacy, and dignity through valid consent and confidentiality measures. Furthermore, it covers scientific integrity by using authentic data sources and fulfilling social responsibility by ensuring the safety and well-being of participants and society, aiming to maximize benefits and minimize harm through the research outcomes. Desklib provides a platform to explore more solved assignments and research materials for students.

Research Methods

Table of Contents
Research Aim:.............................................................................................................................................3
Research objectives:....................................................................................................................................3
Methodology...............................................................................................................................................3
Ethical consideration:..................................................................................................................................3
Respect for autonym, privacy and dignity of individuals and community:..............................................4
Scientific integrity...................................................................................................................................4
Social responsibility:...............................................................................................................................4
Maximizing benefit and minimizing harm:..............................................................................................5
References...................................................................................................................................................6

Research Aim: To identify how corporate social responsibility affect consumer behavior in the
UK clothing retailing.
Research objectives: To identify the influence of CSR activities on consumer buying behavior
in different retail clothing brands.
Methodology
Research methodology is a process of collecting, analyzing the information to complete
the entire research project in a successful way. It is the specific procedure or techniques used to
select, process, analyze the information on a particular topic. Through this, it is possible to check
the reliability and validity of the overall research work. For the present research, positivism
approach has been selected as it is based on the quantitative analysis which provide authentic and
reliable results. In terms of research method, questionnaire has been used as it will help in
collection of necessary data and information to conduct the research. Data is a crucial part for
each and every research. In this light, the primary information has been gathered from the 4
respondents at Oxford street, London. On the other hand, data has been taken from the website of
company for secondary information. The information gathered from the respondents has
analyzed in an efficient manner in order to prepare suitable strategies for future. In context of
validity, the report has higher rank in validity as the data has is directly sources from the users of
brand and the website of company. Appropriate research methodology will help in attainment of
the laid aims & objectives in an efficient manner.
Ethical consideration:
During the research work, I ensure to embark ethical practices in order to gather true
results. For this purpose, I followed the ethical principles of autonomy, confidentiality and more.
A good research, needs to be well-structured, appropriately designed and ethically approved.
However, I faced several issues in terms of getting ethical approval for research project
(Alderson and Morrow, 2020). In addition, voluntary participation is also a majored issues which
faced by me while conducting the research project. I found that people were not ready to
voluntarily enroll for the research project. In addition to this, keep the information confidential is
also not an easy task. Apart from this, I faced issues related to potential harm and communicating

the results. Hence, the research was not easy for me as I went through with ample of ethical
issues which will affect my future research outcomes as well.
Respect for autonym, privacy and dignity of individuals and community:
During research, several people act as a respondent. They give the information as they
have trust that there information will remain confidential. According to this principle, it is
required to respect the autonomy and willingness of the respondents. In the given context, I
ensure to get valid consent of the respondents. For this purpose, a participation information form
has been prepared which will help me to know whether a particular person is willing to take part
in research work or not. After gathering the information, I will ensure that the information is kept
confidential (Latz and Mulvihill, 2017). In order to protect the trust of respondents, I will not
share their data with any external party and keep it safe. In addition to this, all the respondents
will treated fairly by providing them equal opportunity to become the part of research project. In
the given context, I have chosen probability sampling where I gave equal opportunity to each and
every respondent. In addition, I respect their thoughts, opinions regarding the topic of research
project.
Scientific integrity
It refers the adherence of necessary rules and regulations to conduct the research
systematically. For this purpose, several policies are followed so that the investigator can get pre-
defined results out of the research project. To maintain the scientific integrity, it is important that
the data is authentic (Meskell and Pels, 2020). In this context, I collected data from well-known
and authentic sources. For the present research project, data has been gathered from primary
sources where I recorded the opinion of various respondents. Apart from the primary sources,
detailed and in-depth information has been taken from various well-recognized and authentic
secondary sources.
Social responsibility:
Being a researcher, it is the social responsibility of person to ensure safety, security and
well-being of society. Generally, the research work is carried out for the up gradation of society
(Brennen, 2021). While working on the current project, I was quite clear that I have to develop a
significant concept to contribute in societal growth. Throughout the research work, I ensure to

maintain integrity and dignity of persons and organization involve. My main aim is to complete
the research project without harming the health, security of the respondents. For this purpose, I
kept the information confidential to protect the integrity of the individuals. In addition to this, I
did not misuse the information taken out from the website of the company. Therefore, I make
sure to fulfill my social responsibilities while working on the respective research project.
Maximizing benefit and minimizing harm:
The main aim of research is to benefit the environment and society. Here, research is
conducted for common good. In research, the investigator works on a particular issue in order to
resolve it (Bertell, 2017). In the given context, I undertake the respective research work to
identify the impact of CSR activities on the shopping experience of buyers. It will help in
identifying the issues related to CSR and its influence of buyer’s experience. Through this, I can
easily resolve the issues by formulating necessary strategies which will drive growth and
enhancement for the entire society. During the research work, my aim was to enhance the
development of society and prepare necessary strategies to ensure further growth of society. In
addition, the research will not put any adverse impact on the society and environment at large
context.

References
Books and journals
Alderson, P. and Morrow, V., 2020. The ethics of research with children and young people: A
practical handbook. Sage.
Bertell, I., 2017. Ethical Considerations in Qualitative Research: A Study on Learning Processes
in Relation to Developing Psychoanalysis for Infants and Parents. SAGE Publications
Ltd.
Brennen, B.S., 2021. Qualitative research methods for media studies. routledge.
Latz, A.O. and Mulvihill, T.M., 2017. Photovoice research in education and beyond: A practical
guide from theory to exhibition. Routledge.
Meskell, L. and Pels, P., 2020. Introduction: embedding ethics. In Embedding ethics (pp. 1-26).
Routledge.