The relations between educational policy making and researchers’ ethical responsibilities

Decision and policy making in the area of complex issues such as educational issues without the solid research bases not only economically, but also morally is an inadmissible and illogical endeavor. Indeed the horrible consequences of such decisions may endanger the life of a generation and even future generations. In fact, in the most optimistic stance, some educational policy makers understand the nature of educational problems and thus attempt to make informed decisions based on results of educational studies. Consequently they partly ensure that their decisions will be just and logical. The roles of educational researchers are then reached to an extraordinary sensitivity. It requires them to concern about ethical issues more than any other role and be aware of and adhere to it in their research. This awareness and commitment encourage researchers to be consciousness and cautious in the process of research from formulation the research problem to implementation of study and report the results. Obtaining to such understanding requires an ability to understand the complexity of educational phenomena, the philosophical and ideological underlying of different methodological paradigms and utilizing the capabilities of multiple perspectives and research methods and techniques for collecting and analyzing data. But more importantly, the researchers should believe to the role of research in the improvement of educational policy and practice. They need to adopt fairness and integrity in gathering and analyzing data and act with prudence and tact in recommending the theoretical and practical solutions