Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics and Consent

I am working with the Hindu Temple of Dallas to better learn about Hinduism and the way of life associated with the beliefs. I will be inquiring information about literacy practices that take place on a daily basis throughout the life of someone who practices Hinduism. I hope to find the reasons behind why people choose this religion as their own. I want to better understand why someone chooses to follow the unique guidelines and rules surrounding this literacy practice. I will be using the American Folklore Society code of ethics to assist me in my research. I will follow these guidelines to help me better understand ethics and the way to go about researching my site. I will be conducting this research on my own, forming my own conclusions from the information I receive. However I will be receiving guidance at my site from Venkata Tumati who has given me permission to conduct my research. I will also be receiving guidance from my instructor Jennifer Jones. I will consult with her on anything that I find difficult to understand or if I am in need of advise.

            I will be doing my research at the Hindu Temple in Dallas Texas. I will be collaborating with my informant Venkata Tumati every Saturday or Sunday for the rest of the semester. This will be about 6 weeks. The times will vary depending on his schedule. He will be taking me to the Temple and allowing me to observe the service. My informant will work as my insider to better help me navigate the temple. He will be guiding me in this process of field working since I am considered an outsider. I have gained permission from the Temple to observe the services and interview the members. I will get the signed consent form for everyone that participates in my studies.

I plan on engaging in temple activities and watching how the service is ran. If there are any possible opportunities for me to participate in I will most likely do so. I want to feel as if I am part of the community in every way possible in order to get the true experience the members have in order to see their point of view. I will sit quietly in the temple and observe until the service is over. I will be collecting my data by interviewing the different members after the service is complete. Since I will be an outsider in the Hindu temple, my position may influence the way I perceive the literacy practices. I might questions more situations rather then just accepting them as the social “norm” like an insider would. I will be trying to interview as many people as possible to get the many perspectives of different individuals. I will choose people of good heath. This being said the elderly whom are considered at risk would not be in my interviews. I will only interview people 18 years or older also excluding pregnant women. I will interview a variety of people this being said I will not discriminate against people with different beliefs and views of the temple or religion. I want to gather as many different perspectives as possible. Interviewers should participate in my research because raising awareness of such cultures is important in today’s world. Being in the state of Texas, where Christianity is strongly urged and practiced, I believe more religions should make themselves known to the public giving ample opportunity for outsiders to consider this as a possibility for their beliefs. 

To present my information ethically in my write-up I will not disclose any information such as names and age to the public. I will only be using this information for the reasons stated on the consent form.  The risks for participating in this research might be minimal however if any risks do happen to occur the interview will be stopped and the information given will no longer be used in my research. For example some risks that might occur, but are not limited to, could be psychological stress, or ostracism by peers in the community. The Data I collect will be stored in my computer along with a notebook and tape recorder. All data is password protected and also on a password protected back up hard drive. It will not be sold or given to any other party. However my instructor Jennifer Jones will have access to some of the data if any questions or concerns arise forcing me to ask her for advise. I will also allow the interviewee to read the notes I took on their specific interview before being published in my final research paper.

I will follow these guidelines along with the American Folklore Society code of ethics in order to maintain a safe environment for every one participating. Consent forms will be signed and documented before any information is given. I will ensure that all parties feel safe with my research while I am in the field.

Name of Researcher: Jacqueline Caravano

Purpose of Research: The research being conducted will be to better understand the religious views and literacy practices of Hinduism. I will be observing and conducting interviews in order to understand how members of this literary practice live. I will be following a code of ethics in order to obtain safe information protecting both parties.

I understand that I am assisting in an ethnographic research project conducted by Jacqueline Caravano for English 1302 at Texas A&M University-Commerce taught by Jennifer Jones. I agree to let her use the interview (or any other materials agreed upon) to write a paper for the class, which will later be presented at the Celebration of Student Writing. It will not be used for any other purpose. I have been informed that if I become uncomfortable at any time during the interview, I do not have to answer questions or I can ask to have the tape or video recorder (if used) turned off. I am aware that I can request that a pseudonym be used. I understand that by signing this form, I give permission for the interview to be used for the purposes stated above.

If I have any questions about this project and/or the research data I have given or if I decide against participating, I can contact:

Ms. Jennifer Jones or Jacqueline Caravano

jennifer.jones8888@gmail.com

Jcaravano@leomail.tamuc.edu


Do you agree to participate in the interview (_) YES (_) NO

Can the interview be recorded (audio and/or video)? (_) YES (_) NO

Should a pseudonym be used? (_) YES (_) NO

Signed:

Date: