The Rose and the Thorn: Some Ethical Dilemmas in a Qualitative Study of Older Adults *

摘要

Researchers engaged in exploring the social worlds of older adults have a keen awareness of a range of ethical issues associated with qualitative methodology. As is the case with quantitative work, qualitative social gerontologists can forecast the likelihood of encountering certain ethical issues in a study. However, there are some thorns, perhaps intrinsically connected to the small sample size, or the rose, of qualitative work. This paper discusses some of the unforeseen and thorny ethical issues that emerged during initial field work for a recent study. The issues involved making an assessment of the potential for harm that might come to participants from an inability to assure their confidentiality and privacy. The study's purpose—to understand the experience of older adults from non-western religious traditions—was and remains worthwhile; but, at least for the present, the small sample size in a small state precluded its completion.