Abstract

It is an indisputable fact that literature reserves a significant place in research ethics. However, its place in research ethics is neglected by most of the scholars concerned with the scholastic subject matter of research ethics. This study aims at exploring the place of literature in research ethics. Primary data were obtained from observation, and library and internet data sources. Content analysis and qualitative approach are employed in the analysis of data. The work is grounded by the functionalist theory, which explains the functional connectivity between literature and research ethics, as societal systems that are interdependent. The analysis reveals that literature plays crucial roles in instruction, information, education, exerting influence, construction of realities and ethics, execution, preservation and transmission of research ethics, instilling creative and critical skills in researchers, research authorities and participants, and causing readership, and new world orders in research sphere. The study concludes that literature is deeply involved in all that concerns research ethics. It recommends sustained right use of literature for constructing, disseminating, executing, sustaining and reforming research ethics across ages and societies.