My Freshman (Ch. 1-3)

In Chapter 1-3, Cathy Small (1997) successful presents specific reasons for writing this book. As a professor, Cathy Small researched in detail student’s culture and life from interviews with students and observation by registering as a freshman in college to take courses and participate in dormitory and on-campus activities. She employed ethnographic research method. Unfortunately, Cathy Small’s research, as detailed and efficacious as it may be, was carried out deceptively in that her identity as a professor was kept secret. This paper attempts to identify a major flaw in this research: research ethics.

I greatly respect the author’s love for students and passion for their education. Frankly, I was deeply moved by the following statement by the author: “I felt that the world I wanted to penetrate would be precluded if I were imply an interested professor “doing research” on students. I decided then to become a student by formally applying to the university, by registering for an taking courses, and by moving into a dorm- hence setting the stage to view undergraduate life as both an observer interviewer and a participants” (p. x).

I felt there was a parallel between the author’s heart and Christ’s incarnation in which He became man to save sinners (Phil. 2:5-11). The decision by the author to lay the generational gap and self-esteem aside to know students and effectively educate them was inspirational.
As worthwhile as its cause is, I could not help but look at the author’s observations and this research with doubtful eyes. Her pseudonym, interviewees, and the contents of the interviews remain undisclosed as “anonymity.” Furthermore, no observation or research models are mentioned (p. 19; pp. 56-57).

In this respect, I would like to raise this question to the author and the readers, “What is the purpose of this research?” Also, I would like to discuss the possible need for ethical boundaries in research.

In spite of worthwhile cause and objective, research devoid of ethics will raise issues of credibility. Research must be objective, clear, and ethical.

The publication of this book must have brought joy to those who discovered new findings through the author’s research as well as disappointment and hurt to those who newly discovered the author’s identity. Research lacking in ethics cannot impart credibility. Therefore, researchers must take into consideration ethical standards in undertaking research.