[Air-L] research ethics again - students and FB

[Charles M. Ess]

Dear AoIRists,

What are your thoughts regarding the following?

A research project involves a small number of students, legally minors - 
and requires that they set up fake FB accounts for the sake of 
role-playing in an educational context?
Of course, fake accounts are a clear violation of the FB ToS.

I know we've discussed the ethics of researchers doing this (with mixed 
results, i.e., some for, some concerned).

But I'm curious what folk think / feel about this version of the problem.

Many thanks in advance,
- charles
-- 
Professor in Media Studies
Department of Media and Communication
University of Oslo
<http://www.hf.uio.no/imk/english/people/aca/charlees/index.html>

Postboks 1093
Blindern 0317
Oslo, Norway
c.m.ess at media.uio.no