Fundamentalism, multiculturalism and problems of conducting research with populations in developing nations

A growing number of nurse researchers travel globally to conduct research i n poor and underserved populations in developing nations. These researchers , while well versed in research ethics, often find it difficult to apply tr aditional ethical standards to populations in developing countries. The pro blem of applying ethical standards across cultures is explained by a long-s tanding debate about the nature of ethical principles, Fundamentalism is th e philosophical stance that ethical principles are universal, while the ant hropologically-based 'multicultural' model claims the philosophical positio n that principles are culturally bound. The authors explicate the two philo sophical stances and advocate a morally sensitive but moderate position of 'ethical multiculturalism' rather than favouring either of the above philos ophical positions. The final section suggests ways to promote ethical multi culturalism while planning and conducting nursing research.