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Research Integrity in the Context of Social Science Research in Africa

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Social Science Research Ethics in Africa

Part of the book series: Research Ethics Forum ((REFF,volume 7))

Abstract

This chapter will provide an outline of the concept of integrity pertaining to social science research. An inclusive definition is proposed where integrity is seen as both a value as well as a virtue. Developments on the continent of Africa are listed which support the notion of research ethics and integrity, but the question is also asked, against the backdrop of well-known cases of misconduct, on how integrity can be developed. An approach is described where integrity should be internalised by social science researchers themselves and then questioned against the presentation of serious misconduct data. This chapter asserts that integrity policies in Africa are underdeveloped and need to be addressed. The final part of this chapter describes the importance of individual honesty and putting the benefit of the people of Africa as the primary function of social science research.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Nico Nortjé

  2. Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa

    Willem A. Hoffmann

Authors
  1. Nico Nortjé
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  2. Willem A. Hoffmann
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Correspondence to Nico Nortjé .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Nico Nortjé

  2. University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

    Retha Visagie

  3. University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

    J. S. Wessels

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Nortjé, N., Hoffmann, W.A. (2019). Research Integrity in the Context of Social Science Research in Africa. In: Nortjé, N., Visagie, R., Wessels, J. (eds) Social Science Research Ethics in Africa. Research Ethics Forum, vol 7. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-15402-8_9

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