Lecture 08: Ethics Review

Introduction

• Welcome to Week 8!
  
• Today’s topic is one that I’m sure you’re deeply excited about: Ethics.
  
• Objectives:
  • Recap the requirements for this year’s ethics mini-dissertation.
  • Understand how this relates to your projects.

Ethics Application Overview

• This year, you are required to produce Category A applications only.
  • Category A: Ethics applications with no significant ethical considerations.
    
  • Entry-level quality, with minimal complexity.
    
• Comprehensive materials are available on the ETHICS VLE page, signposted from the VLE module page.

Ethics Resources

• Use the QSF template file:
  • Available on the Research Methods Ethics Resources page.
    
  • Must be imported into a Quarto project (cannot be opened natively).
    
• Key contents:
  • Ethics-relevant guidance.
  • Consent form templates.
  • GDPR-compliant Qualtrics survey templates.

Consent Form and GDPR Compliance

• Consent forms must:
  • Be clear and concise (avoid excessive length).
  • Adhere to GDPR requirements.
    
• Surveys must:
  • Reject participants who do not give full informed consent. This requires SKIP LOGIC
• Common issues leading to rejections:
  • Inadequate or incomplete consent forms.
  • Failure to meet GDPR standards.

Submission Requirements

• Complete the form in the Ethics Portal clearly and carefully:
  • Answer all questions, even if some seem irrelevant.
    
  • Avoid collecting surplus data; focus on what is necessary to answer your research question.

Submission and Turnaround Times

• Turnaround time:
  • One week for feedback (not necessarily approval).
    
  • Resubmissions add additional weeks.
• Ethics portal is open until Week 11.
  
• Aim to submit early to avoid delays.
• Your Lab Tutors will approve prior to it being sent to the committee. You can do this in the lab.

Personal Tutorials

• Discuss your ethics application during this week’s tutorial:
  • Get feedback from your personal tutor.
    
  • Ensure your application is thorough and accurate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Deception or Hidden Information:
   • Be transparent in your informed consent and debrief.
     
   • Deceptive practices require explicit justification and careful debriefing.
2. Incomplete Applications:
   • Include all group members in the application.
     
   • Missing members = risk of failure for that individual.
3. Inadequate References:
   • Provide accessible references for your audience.
     
   • Avoid overly complex citations.

Final Reminders

• Prioritize your ethics application; don’t leave it until the last minute.
  
• Conduct independent study to ensure your application is approved.
  
• Remember: ethics approval is a critical step for your research project!

Questions?

• Any questions about the process or requirements?
  
• Let’s ensure everyone is clear on how to proceed.