Researchers possess considerable discretion in how their research is designed, executed, and reported. Research on this discretionary space is critical for implementing successful and sustainable reform. Yet, the topic is largely understudied. Our ethnographic research provides in-depth empirical insight into how researchers exercise discretion in their research practice.

This research consists of twelve months of ethnographic fieldwork in two research groups between November 2020 and February 2022. Data from participant observation is triangulated with interviews and document analysis.

We found that researchers constantly have to navigate a complex constellation of values and goals – e.g. the responsible management of public funds, maximum objectivity of research, and care for the participant. This can make for highly contextual decisions for which the knowledge of generic guidelines may not prove sufficient. Instead, efforts to improve the responsible conduct of researchers should also include building researchers’ capacity to critically and proactively engage with these decisions.