Ethics as method: a reflexive account of creative ethical practice in school-based research during COVID-19

ORCID

Abstract

This research note explores how ethics can serve not just as a framework of compliance, but also as a creative and adaptive method in real-world research. Drawing on fieldwork in school settings during the COVID-19 pandemic, it reflects on how evolving ethical challenges including consent, freedom of expression, power dynamics and care, required flexible, relational, reflexive and creatively responsive engagement. Rather than a procedural activity, ethics became an embedded, creative methodological tool shaping the research design and practice. Through this lens, the article highlights how ethical practice can itself become a creative strategy that is fluid, contextual and deeply human. These reflections contribute to broader conversations around research methods by showing how creative ethical responsiveness becomes central to meaning-making, especially when working with vulnerable participants in a vulnerable period.

Publication Date

2026-07-16

Publication Title

Journal of Creative Research Methods

Acceptance Date

2026-01-01

Deposit Date

2026-07-22

Embargo Period

2027-07-16

Keywords

informed consent, children’s freedom of expression, teacher-student hierarchical relationship, ethics of care, empathy in research

First Page

1

Last Page

10

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This item is under embargo until 16 July 2027

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