Research Ethics in Political Science

Research ethics in social sciences research are stringent and fraught with sensitivities, primarily because these studies deal with the complexities of human nature and behavior. The ethical considerations become even more intricate and challenging in Asian political studies, given the multitude of intersubjective interpretations, political affiliations, and the multidimensional nature of politics, with religious and cultural factors being particularly prominent. Bangladesh and Malaysia, both Muslim-majority countries in Asia, exhibit a deeply intertwined fabric of religion, culture, and politics that permeates society, heightening the sensitivities of political research ethics. This chapter argues that conventional political science research ethics face practical limitations in these societies, necessitating substantial adaptation to align with various local sensitivities. Without such adjustments, the collection of desired data becomes nearly impossible. Drawing from practical experiences, this chapter outlines several frontiers where careful formulation of research ethics is essential when conducting political studies in traditional Muslim societies in Asia, such as Bangladesh and Malaysia.