School Process
Research programmes which focus on human subject engagements should be submitted for ethical review. Open public record, named public official on-the-record interviews, and participant observation research programmes can be reviewed quickly. It is the aim to similarly consider more complicated programmes that may include issues of confidentiality or anonymity in a quick fashion. In all cases, should the SEC find problems with the application, comments and assistance will be given including some advice for adjusting the application.
Ethics review is peer review. This is not a policing or auditing function. It is intended to improve research implementation and ensure the protection of respondents. If peer review of articles and other publication is the end of the research process, think of ethical review as the peer review at the beginning of the research process.
The ESRC has identified six principles to govern ethic review that are echoed and amplified by the IR SEC. They are:
1.) Research should be designed and undertaken with integrity and quality. The peer review process ensures this.
2.) Research staff and subjects should be informed about the purpose, methods and intended possible uses of the research, what their participation entails, and what risks if any are involved.
3.) The confidentiality of information supplied by the subjects and the anonymity of respondents must be respected.
4.) Research subjects must participate in voluntary ways free of coercion.
5.) Harm to research participants should be avoided, including harm by neglect.
6.) The independence of research must be clear, and any conflicts of interest or partiality must be explicit.
The members of the SEC are available for consultation, and applications can be looked over before official submission.
