Ethics in research.
WHAT APPLIES WHEN RESEARCH INVOLVES PEOPLE
Informed consent The right to withdraw Confidentiality Protection from harm Approval, where required
WHAT INFORMED CONSENT REQUIRES
That participants understand what is involved, what happens to their data, and that they may decline.
WHAT TO PROVIDE
A clear explanation, in language they understand.
WHAT TO AVOID
Pressure to participate Collecting more data than needed Identifying individuals unnecessarily
WHAT TO DO WITH PERSONAL DATA
Store it securely Anonymise where possible Delete it when no longer needed
WHY
Obligations apply to research data as to any personal data.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Whether your institution requires ethical approval, and obtain it before starting.
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH
Research involving children or vulnerable people Sensitive topics Recording without explicit permission
WHAT TO DOCUMENT
Consent obtained, and how.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Fabricate or alter data Report only results that suited you
WHAT THAT IS
Research misconduct, with serious consequences.
