Radio phone-in programs as a method of research data collection: Accounting for participation, ethics and integrity

Researchers have multiple ways to collect primary data, each one having its particular ethics implications that must be reflected on and accommodated in the research design and implementation. In this paper, we reflect on the ethical implications of employing a radio phone-in program as a method of data collection. Specifically, we report on our experiences of using radio phone-ins to obtain timely data on a topical issue: the impacts on citizens of policies banning certain informal economic activities in Lagos, Nigeria. We theorize our work with reference to participatory communication, reflecting on how radio phone-ins are available to citizens to communicate their views. This process gives voice and empowerment to citizens, especially those who are marginalized, reducing imbalances in power in political debate. We further argue that when researchers collect data not only for their own research interests and outputs (“research of policy”), but also to develop a body of evidence to try to engage with, feed into and influence policymaking (“research for policy”), how they use the information gathered, and not only from radio phone-ins, raises fundamental questions around research ethics and integrity, with researchers mediating between callers and the politicians who may be the intended audience for their contributions. Careful reflection by researchers is needed to ensure research participation empowers citizens when debating current issues, rather than serving to reinforce power imbalances, with researchers and how they use participants’ information in seeking to influence policy.