What term is used to describe the unwritten guidelines of ethical behavior in social research?

The term that refers to the unwritten guidelines of ethical behavior in social research is ethics. In the context of social research, ethics encompasses the principles and values that guide researchers in conducting their studies responsibly and with integrity. This includes considering the well-being and rights of participants, ensuring informed consent, and maintaining confidentiality. Ethical considerations are crucial in upholding the trust of the community and ensuring that the research contributes positively to society.

Empowerment, while a relevant concept in social studies, focuses more on enabling individuals or groups to have control over their own lives and to make decisions that affect them, rather than on guidelines for ethical behavior in research. Cultural relativism relates to understanding and evaluating cultures on their own terms, which does not directly pertain to ethical standards in research practices. Deindividuation refers to a psychological state where individuals lose their sense of self-awareness and personal responsibility, often occurring in group situations, and is not related to ethical guidelines in the context of social research.