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3D online environments: Ethical challenges for marketing research

Krasonikolakis, I., Pouloudi, N. (2015) 3D online environments: Ethical challenges for marketing research. Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, 13 (3-4). pp. 218-234. ISSN 1477-996X. (doi:10.1108/JICES-01-2014-0003) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:68786)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/JICES-01-2014-0003

Abstract

Purpose–The purpose of this paper is twofold: to provide an overview of related studies and to highlight research gaps and questions that need to be addressed. Research conducted in three-dimensional (3D) online environments constitutes a different research context, not least because it involves the recruitment of avatars in the research process. Researchers need to appreciate better the ethical concerns that arise in this novel, fast-evolving context and how these concern different stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs an interdisciplinary desk-research approach. It critically reviews related literature, highlights the involved stakeholders, discusses ethical issues from a marketing research perspective and concludes with a discussion of related studies and research gaps, providing direct future research avenues. Findings – The characteristics of the 3D online environments and the behaviour and experiences of their users set the boundaries and guide the way regarding the ethical research in this context. Research limitations/implications – The paper does not present primary empirical results, instead it reviews and critiques related literature in 3D online environments and sets the agenda for future research. Practical implications – The paper provides ethical guidelines and identifies blurred areas in conducting or participating in research in 3D online environments. Originality/value – Based on earlier studies and examples of ethical concerns when studying 3D online environments, this paper emphasises the parameters that should be taken into consideration in current and future research studies. ©Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1108/JICES-01-2014-0003
Uncontrolled keywords: Stakeholders, Virtual worlds, 3D online environments, Ethical issues and guidelines, Marketing research
Subjects: H Social Sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Kent Business School - Division > Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and International Business
Depositing User: Ioannis Krasonikolakis
Date Deposited: 24 Aug 2018 12:00 UTC
Last Modified: 05 Nov 2024 12:30 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/68786 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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