This may be your first time applying for research ethics. I hope to put your mind at ease and offer you 6 tips when designing your project and writing the research ethics application.
Hope this video is helpful to you.
Warm regards,
Dr Chee-Wee Tan
Convene, University Research Ethics Panel
Queen Margaret University
Notes:
1. Always assume that you’re writing for a non-expert lay audience.
2. Language too technical in the application form and the participant information sheet
3. If research is performed in a non-UK setting with different cultural norms and expectations, then this needs to be explained in the application for the reviewers benefit
4. Informed consent – if possible, get written. However, verbal consent possible, needs to be explained and justified. Or get witness to be present (best practice).
5. Data handling and storage. – short term storage & long term storage
- Have to think about security and confidentiality of short term storage out in the field
- Have to think about back up and frequency
- Storage long term – are you destroying your data or keeping it for a very long period of time. Then you’ll have to think about proper storage and data custodian. Refer to the university’s research data management policy.
6. If any questions, always approach supervisors and research ethics committee members for advice.
