Ethical Guidelines and Responsible Research

Importance:
When working on a research project with human incumbents, a researcher must be aware of the potential for negative impacts on the studied subjects. Knowing that Split Rail Records is the primary subject matter of this particular project, I must be sensitive to protect proprietary information, and protect the participants of Split Rail Records.I have sought informed consent from all parties that will be directly mentioned in this work and have agreed to share all project information with the director of Split Rail Records before I publicize it.

Although college record companies often partner in many business situations it is important to keep necessary information confidential, to look out for the best interest for Split Rail Records. Competitive advantage may be sacrificed if various information is shared and because Split Rail Records has agreed to participate in this project, the company's privacy will be protected.While there is little risk in the band to allow photographs and audio samples to be taken from their album release show, there are significant benefits. The band will have a substantive album release photo album and will gain further campus exposure through my presentation of their music during the presentation time of my project. I will ensure confidentiality of the materials I gather from their show, and will share all information with the band before I show any outside parties.


Impact on my Project:
Describing the process from signing a band, to the release of the agreed upon album is a huge process involving many subjects including ASU students, a local Band, and ASU faculty. Without consent from all of these parties, the project will be seriously limited.

During the documentation of the album release show, I will need informed consent documentation from the band which I will photograph. With their agreement, I will be able to compile a video of the release event with relevant pictures and audio files. The band and record company is entitled to adequate compensation if their music is played in any commercial setting, because they own the rights to the music. Since the project presentation is not conducted in a commercial setting, simple informed consent to use the music in the presentation will suffice.

Because of the importance of the use of audio and pictures to this project I will ask permission to play music from the specific Split Rail Records band, "Major Magick," for the presentation of my project.