The boom of social activities within cyberspace has been followed closely by a boom in the social scientific studies of those activities. Researchers in psychology, sociology, and anthropology have launched scientific expeditions into nearly all of the widespread territories of the internet.
Solid research means solid ethics.
Prior to conducting research, investigators enter into a documented agreement with participants that clarifies the nature of the research and the responsibilities of each party. When obtaining this informed consent, researchers use language that is reasonably understandable to the participants. - Informed consent is obtained before recording the subjects in any way. For persons who are legally incapable of giving informed consent, investigators nevertheless provide an appropriate explanation, obtain the person's consent, and obtain appropriate permission from a legally authorized person, if such substitute consent is permitted by law. A second important component of the Standards deals with confidentiality. Last, the Standards address the issue of appropriate consultation and evaluation.