I am conducting a research study on the experiences of researchers in the UK, specifically focusing on situations where potential participants pressure researchers to share personal information beyond what is outlined in the information sheet. This issue highlights a gap in ethical guidelines, which often lack clear provisions for protecting researchers in such scenarios.
For context, I reached out to potential participants via Twitter. While most interactions were harmless, one individual persistently pushed for additional personal information, claiming the information sheet was insufficient. When I refused, they contacted my university, raising concerns about my ethical conduct. This experience made me realise that while strict measures protect participants, there is very little in place to safeguard researchers.
I am seeking participants to share their experiences as part of a short 15–20-minute audio-only interview conducted via Microsoft Teams. All data will be anonymised, and recordings will be securely deleted after transcription.
If you are interested in taking part or require further information, please get in touch with me at [email protected]. Your contribution to this research would be greatly valued.