Ethical Review Checklist
Do I need to submit an application?
If your research involves human subject research, including interviews with public figures, you need to submit an application for review. If you are engaged in structured, semi-structured or survey research you must submit an application for review. Participant observation requires review as part of larger ethnographic consideration. Talking with members of the public requires an application, as the questions may be considered sensitive. No application is needed where only observation occurs, unless this could be considered intrusive. Where there are issues to do with data collection and storage, this research also requires a review.
What should I consider when apply for review?
The ethical review process is a peer review process of the implication of research. The protection of respondents is the most important consideration. Research should be designed with respect and concern for the wellbeing of respondent in mind.
What does the application process entail?
Applications should describe the implications of the research design for respondents. Issues of confidentiality, methods for ensuring anonymity, and provisions for securing and storing data are the overarching concerns of the review process. These concerns can be addressed in a straightforward and direct manner in Question number 31 of the UTREC Ethical Review Application.
When should I apply?
An application should be submitted before undertaking research. This is especially important for doctoral candidates; by strict interpretation of university policy data obtained without ethical approval is not to be included in dissertations for a degree. Review is for entire projects; the application should describe the implications, potential impacts, and processes for the larger project. Applications do not need to be submitted for each step of the research and these steps can be added by amendment to the original application, or, if a major change is contemplated, by the full process. Students, both undergraduates and postgraduates, must include the ethics review approval statement in their dissertation submissions.
