Ethnic diversity and inequality:ethical and scientific rigour in social research

An investigation into the desirability and feasibility of developing guidance to help decide when and how ethnicity should be included in social policy-relevant research projects. This research involved a series of review, consultation and piloting exercises to address the increasing need for research to inform policy and practice development that is sensitive to the diversity of the UK’s multiethnic population. Emphasis was given to the importance of ensuring that any guidance developed and promoted should be seen as living documents to be regularly appraised in light of the evolving social world and ethical and scientific standards. The report: • discusses the background and rationale of the study; • describes the research, consultation and piloting processes; • investigates the requirement for and desirability of guidance in relation to ethnicity and where responsibility should lie for ensuring ethical and scientific rigour; • identifies the form and content appropriate to relevant guidance documents; • assesses the feasibility of developing such documents and their likely impact on research practice; and • draws conclusions about the prospects for enhancing the quantity of UK social research that appropriately and sensitively addresses ethnicity.