FSSE-UEW Holds Seminar on Supervisor’s Role in Ensuring Research Ethical Standards
In a concerted effort to enhance the academic prowess of its faculty members, the Faculty of Social Sciences Education (FSSE) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), hosted a dynamic staff development seminar.
The seminar, held at the GIS Laboratory in Room 304 of the FSSE Block on the North Campus on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, focused on the critical theme of "Ensuring Ethical Standards in Social Sciences Research: The Role of the Supervisor."
Chaired by Prof. Anselm K. Abotsi, the Dean of FSSE, on behalf of Prof. Awaisu Imurana Braimah, Dean of Graduate Studies, the seminar aimed to underscore the paramount importance of upholding ethical research practices in the realm of social sciences. With academia increasingly under scrutiny for the integrity of its research output, Prof. Abotsi underscored the necessity for faculty members to maintain high standards of professionalism and integrity.
Prof. Abotsi highlighted the pivotal role of research supervisors in fostering ethical conduct among students. He stressed the significance of cultivating strong relationships between supervisors and supervisees, ensuring that research projects uphold both originality and moral principles. As UEW, holds the responsibility of preparing educators for Ghana and the broader sub-Saharan region, Prof. Abotsi emphasised the need to instill in students the requisite skills for conducting ethical research.
Dr. Yaw Asamoah, a lecturer from the Department of Geography Education at UEW, led the discussion on the theme for the seminar. Dr. Asamoah outlined the responsibilities of research supervisors, urging them to meticulously review and guide students' work to ensure their quality and adherence to ethical guidelines. He highlighted the importance of transparency and integrity throughout the research process, from data collection to publication.
He advocated for supervisors to facilitate access to research findings for stakeholders and encouraged faculty members to uphold honesty and integrity in their research endeavours. "For all of us as Social Science researchers, we have to be honest; there should be no fabrication, no falsification, and no data misrepresentation," he stressed.
The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment from faculty members and administrative staff to uphold ethical standards in social sciences research, thus reinforcing the University of Education, Winneba's dedication to academic excellence and integrity. As the academic community continues to navigate the complexities of research ethics, initiatives such as these serve as beacons of guidance and inspiration for future generations of scholars.
