Receiving Ethics Approval

A Guide

1. Before Writing an Ethics Application

Why is writing an ethics application NOT a waste of time?

It helps you to...

clarify your research questions. limit your research questions. briefly formulate your theory. check and test your methodology. create and follow a timeline. discuss your thesis with other people.

Ethics Application FormRead form carefully before you do

anything else! http://www.research.mq.edu.au/for/researchers/how_to_obtain_ethics_approval/human_research_ethics What are the requirements in order to

get ethics clearance? Who can be contacted? Get an overview

Check how many ethics/research approvals are required.

Prepare for...Long processing times: Check meeting

times of ethics committee and other relevant institutions. http://www.research.mq.edu.au/for/researchers/how_to_obtain_ethics_approval/human_research_ethics/human_research_ethics_committe_meeting_dates

Criticism: You will need to revise your application.

Discussion: Only modify aspects of your methodology if that is justified.

Motivating yourself: Without ethics, there is no thesis!

TimelineSetting a Date for Ethics Submission

Determine a (several) date(s) of data collection to find out by when you need ethics approval.

Calculate approximate processing time for your ethics application(s) (include revision time) - minimum 2 months.

Difference (today’s date + application submission date) = period of time to work towards the ethics approval

TimelinePeriod of Time to prepare Ethics Application

Calculate period of time that it takes to clarify Theory and Methodology. Background Backbone

(not fully formulated (has to be ‘waterproof’) but clear)

Calculate time period to create/revise/modify test instrument.

Calculate the time that it takes to fill in application form, proposals to test group(s), information sheets, consent forms etc. .

2. Preparing the Ethics ApplicationWrite a short version of your theory.Write a short version of your methodology.Create the concrete instruments for your

study, e.g. questionnaire, interview questions.

Create framework for the realisation of the study.

Write study proposals – contact potential participants.

Write information sheets, consent forms.

3. Filling in the Ethics Application Form

Get appropriate “University paper” or “University logo” – usually from administration office

Contact Ethics Department if you have any questions!

Make sure to highlight that your participants are safe!

Filling in the Ethics Application FormSome Tips

Use simple but precise language.Repeat yourself.Use charts and tables to create a

better overview.

Filling in the Ethics Application Form

Part 1: Project Summary and Administration 1.3: Chief investigator – your supervisor 1.3: all questions refer to your

professional background (study and work related) – not your research you are applying for

1.7: Funding/Plan Details – refers to funding related to this particular research

Filling in the Ethics Application Form

Part 2: 2.2 Description of the project Create small paragraphs

Background of the study Theory Methodology:

phases of study if more than one include nr, sex, age of participants tasks of participants security of participants

Filling in the Ethics Application Form

Part 3: Recruitment of Participants 3.4: Personal approach with participants

refers to any contact (phone, email, questions) with participants as well as third parties between researcher and direct participants

E.g.: Research in schools: Even if you do not contact students directly, you need to identify this.

3.6: Be careful with promising financial benefit to participants.

4. Review of your Ethics Application

Read comments carefully.Clarify questions if you are not sure

what the comments entail.Make changes only if appropriate. Potentially check with other

institutions if advised changes will be recognised by them.

Contact member of ethics committee to discuss your changes before resubmitting.

EndHaving to receive ethics clearance is not a reason to avoid conducting studies!