Since ethnographic research takes place among real human beings, there are a number of special ethical concerns to be aware of before beginning.  In a nutshell, researchers must make their research goals clear to the members of the community where they undertake their research and gain the informed consent of their consultants to the research beforehand.  It is also important to learn whether the group would prefer to be named in the written report of the research or given a pseudonym and to offer the results of the research if informants would like to read it.  Most of all, researchers must be sure that the research does not harm or exploit those among whom the research is done.

The American Anthropological Association's statement on professional ethics is considered standard for ethical ethnographic research, and all researchers - including students completing term papers - are required to adhere to it.  Read the latest version of this document before beginning your project.  Students should read this statement from beginning to end and discuss any concerns they have about their proposed work with their instructors before beginning their research.