Ethics in Research: Provisional Guidelines on Best PracticeSpecial Needs Assistance

Research projects involving human subjects should meet ethical requirements. The points below are intended to give researchers basic guidance to meet ethical standards when writing research proposals and carrying out research at XJTLU. Research proposals should contain a brief outline of how proposed studies meet such standards, where relevant.

OPENNESS AND HONESTY

Clearly state the purpose, background and scope of the study to participants.

What is the rationale for the study (in scientific / scholarly terms)?

Clearly state the research and data collection methods employed.

Identify those who are organizing the research as well as the funding bodies.

INFORMED CONSENT

For research involving face to face interviews, focus groups, direct observation or similar data collection methods, participants should receive an information sheet (or leaflet). They need to be given time to read it, and if necessary have it verbally explained to them, and should be asked to sign a consent form (for further details on informed consent, see below). It is acknowledged that, in certain cases, subjects might not be given full details prior to participation, e.g. in cases where knowledge of the study might bias the outcome of the research. However, the expectation is that non-disclosure would not harm the subject in any way and that he or she would be fully informed immediately afterwards.

RIGHT TO WITHDRAW

Study subjects should be informed about their right to withdraw from the study at any point up until its publication.

PROTECTION FROM HARM

The proposed study should not put its subjects at risk of any harm. In addition to physical harm, researchers need to consider possible mental harm and also other consequences, e.g. the possibility that participating subjects might suffer retribution from third parties such as employers. If participants are students, involvement in or withdrawal from the study should not incur any academic penalties.

FEEDBACK

Are participants aware of ways to contact the researcher conducting the study?

CONFIDENTIALITY

What is the degree of confidentiality and anonymity provided to study participants? How are confidentiality and anonymity maintained? How long will the data be kept?

DISSEMINATION OF FINDINGS

In which ways do you anticipate the data to be used?

PLANNED FUTURE USE OF DATA

Please indicate to subjects if and how data obtained through your study may be used in the future. It is generally not good practice to use the data for purposes not mentioned on the original information sheet / consent form.

REMUNERATION

If remuneration is offered, it is preferable not to tell the subject about it before informed content has been obtained.

INFORMED CONSENT FORM CONTENT

If study participants are completing and returning a questionnaire, a cover sheet should clearly state that consent is implied by returning the questionnaire.

A participant information sheet/consent form should contain:

Full contact details and affiliations of the researcher conducting the research

Organizations funding the research

Study title

Invitation paragraph explaining the purpose and scope of the study

Explanation that taking part in the research is voluntary

A note that participants can withdraw from the study at any point

A note explaining whether participation in the study is likely to have any impact on participants, in particular (in the case of students) their marks, assessments or future studies.

Explanation on methods of data collection and necessary time.

A note explaining confidentiality of the collected data (how will it be maintained?)

A note on who is organizing and funding the research

A note of thanks to participants keeping track of the date of data collection.

[Reviewed by Research Ethics Subcommittee: 20/06/2012]

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