Whilst the researcher contends that the opportunity of undertaking this study should be best put to use towards extending the scope of social enquiry, for the benefit of the widest possible community, the advancement of knowledge and the pursuit of information are not themselves sufficient justifications for overriding other social and cultural values, and thus a commitment to ensuring that the social and psychological well-being of research participants are not affected negatively by their participation in the research is required. I acknowledge that internet-mediated inquiry poses different challenges, and am committed to only undertake research which is in line with the principles set in the New Brunswick Declaration, and based on constructive relationships among research participants, researchers, funders, and the wider community1.
1Further, the researcher is aware of the existence of biases associated with Internet-mediated research and volunteer samples, and will ensure that these are acknowledged throughout the analysis of data.