Action Research Ethics for DMin Students

Abstract

Research influences its context. While careful researchers try to minimize this influence by, for example, avoiding research contexts where researchers exercise authority over individuals or organizations, many DMin students develop research that is designed to influence a context in which they are in power over their participants. Participatory action research has become popular in DMin programs because it is highly compatible with the ministry context. However, it also introduces ethical dilemmas in the areas such as consent and dual-role relationship. This paper explores the ethics of participatory action research in ministry-based contexts.