School Research Ethics Approval Form Title of research project: __________What Example Item

1 Refer potential participants, sponsors, funders and other stakeholders to this Code.
Yes/No? If Yes Consideration Given/Action Required

Makes A Successful Volunteering Opportunity?

Yes

Make reference to this Code in Participants Information Sheet

A
1

General
Yes/No? If Yes Consideration Given/Action Required

Item
Refer potential participants, sponsors, funders and other stakeholders to this Code.

Yes

This code shall be available for potential participants, sponsors, funders and other stakeholders. I shall inform them that if they wish to have access to this code, then they can email me or ask me face to face. This ethics form shall be available for all. My research shall respect each and every individual involved (and even those not involved) in the process and dissemination of this research. Civic values of host culture shall be respected. This ethics form shall be available for all. I will be mindful and respectful of cultural, religious, linguistic, nationality, colour, political, social class, age, disability, gender, sexual and other significant differences within participant populations and other stakeholders in the planning, conducting, and reporting of my research.

Respect cultural, religious, linguistic, nationality, colour, political, social class, age, disability, gender, sexual and other differences.

Yes

Avoid potential physical or mental harm (greater than in their ordinary life) to or unfair enhancement of the welfare of all participants, the system in which they function, or other stakeholders. This particularly applies to participants who are young, disadvantaged, vulnerable or oppressed or have exceptional needs. Avoid conflicts of interest or relationship, and do not abuse or exploit any differential in trust, power or status arising from research activities or findings, for any purpose, including inducing people to participate.

Yes

My research shall be conducted with respect for the welfare of all persons who might suffer detriment, or benefit from or be otherwise affected by the research and its dissemination, including individual participants and the systems and organisations in which they function. My ethics form is evidence of this. This ethics form shall be available for all. My research process and dissemination shall not exploit anyones trust or confidentiality, anyones position, or status and shall not induce anyone to participate. In fact involvement is 100% voluntary and this shall be maintained throughout the process and dissemination of the research. This ethics form shall be available for all. I will be alert to and avoid potential conflicts of interest and/or relationship with participants or other stakeholders. Public confidence shall not be damaged or enhanced in researchers or related professions. This ethics form shall be available for all. I will not engage in contract research without the agreement of my host institution. I will conduct myself in a way that does not damage or unfairly enhance the welfare of the participants, the system within which the participant functions, or other stakeholders, or public confidence in researchers or related professions.

Yes

Avoid damaging or unfairly enhancing public confidence in researchers or related professions.

Yes

Maintain high standards of physical and psychological safety for participants and researchers in the use of procedures and equipment.

Yes

Concern shall be sustained for the welfare of all research participants in relation to any potential physical or mental harm, particularly those who are young, disadvantaged,

vulnerable or oppressed or who have exceptional needs. Participants shall not be exposed to risks greater than or additional to those encountered in their normal lifestyles. Child protection procedures shall be read and regarded and I shall be prepared to deal professionally and legally with potential disclosure of abuse. Safety issues will be considered in the design and conduct of the research project and procedures shall be adopted as necessary to reduce the risk to the physical and psychological wellbeing of participants and researchers to acceptable and reasonable levels. Such procedures will be agreed between researcher and my PLT supervisor and recorded in writing. Information regarding insurance, personal liability and personal liability should be readily available. This ethics form shall be available for all. 7 Comply with legislation on human rights, publication, copyright, libel and data protection. Yes My Research will be conducted with respect for knowledge and evidence. Legislation and law will be given respect and obedience throughout the research process and dissemination. This ethics form shall be available for all. I will fully complete a disclosure form before working with children or young people. This ethics form shall be available for all. I shall encourage that specific researcher to re-evaluate their research procedures. If there is subsequent evidence of contravention of ethical principles, then I am morally obliged to bring this evidence to the attention of appropriate authorities (such as the manager of the organisation and / or my university tutor. This ethics form shall be available for all

8 9

Clear a criminal records check before you have contact with children or young people (see www.disclosurescotland.co.uk). Encourage other researchers to re-evaluate their procedures if you believe they are acting unethically. If this persists, take allegations of misconduct to the appropriate authorities.

Yes Yes

B
1

Recruitment and Consents

Yes/No? If Yes Consideration Given/Action Required

Item
Identify yourself and your host institution (e.g. University of Dundee), and make clear the limits of your competence and supervision.

Yes

I will show official identification to participants and any other person with a reasonable need to know. I will endeavour to maintain and develop my professional competence, to recognise and work within its limits, and to identify and ameliorate factors which restrict it. I shall refrain from laying claim, directly or indirectly, to qualifications or affiliations I do not possess, from claiming competence in any particular area in which they have not established their competence, and from claiming characteristics or capabilities for myself or others which I or they do not possess. I shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that my qualifications, capabilities or views are not misrepresented by others, and to correct any such misrepresentations. I will, in my chosen methodology and in every other aspect of my research, ensure that I are competent to carry out the particular research project. Intended participants shall be clearly informed about the aims, purposes, methods and likely dissemination of findings of the research and of any potential harmful consequences for them. Their consent shall be obtained voluntarily without force or any pressure from myself as the researcher using a consent form readily comprehensible to them or other valid evidence retained by myself. I will not abuse trust, power or status to pressurise persons into participating.

For any activity not usual or normal for the intended participants ,obtain informed consent by informing them clearly about the aims, purposes, methods and likely dissemination of findings of the research and of any potential harmful consequences for participants, and obtain their voluntary informed consent to participate (via their signing a consent form readily comprehensible to them, or other valid evidence, retained by the researcher).

Yes

Recognise and uphold the rights of those whose capacity to give valid consent may be diminished,

Yes

I shall recognise and uphold the rights of those whose capacity to give valid consent

e.g. the young, those with learning disabilities, the elderly, and those in an institution.

Obtain informed consents at all relevant systemic levels: e.g. local authority, school (head teacher), class teacher, the individual child participant, and by parent(s) if relevant according to the child/young persons wishes (child = < 16 years).

Yes

may be diminished such as the young, those with learning disabilities, the elderly and those in the institution. Such a way will be, if suitable, obtaining voluntary in the presence of a guardian for a youngster (this is an example). I will not abuse trust, power or status to pressurise persons into participating. Informed voluntary consent shall be obtained at all relevant systematic levels e.g. local authority, school (head teacher), class teacher, the individual child participant, and by parent(s) if relevant according to the child/young persons wishes (child = < 16 years). I will not abuse trust, power or status to pressurise persons into participating. For children less than 16, consent shall be obtained from parents, legal guardian or others with legal responsibility.

5 6

Obtain positively affirmed consent for a specified time period and activity it cannot be inferred from a lack of response. Withhold information only when it is unequivocally necessary for objectivity, where no alternative procedure is available, where it is unlikely that participants will be displeased once made aware, and with the agreement of senior researchers.

Yes Yes

Consent will not be inferred from a lack of response - it will be positively affirmed. Consent will refer to a specified time period and research project. Advance information about research aims, methods, dissemination and possible consequences shall only be withheld when it is unequivocally necessary in the interests of the objectivity of the research procedure or of future professional practice, and then only with the agreement of relevant senior researchers. Full information will then be given to participants retrospectively prior to data analysis. I will only withhold information with extremely strong scientific justification, and after carefully determining that alternative procedures avoiding concealment or deception are not available. I will not withhold information or mislead participants if it is reasonably probable that the participants will object or be displeased once made aware. I will clarify how research participants will be able to see their own data, dispute it if necessary, and to alter the content, withdraw data, provide additional data or add to interpretations

Make no exaggerated or unjustifiable claims for the effectiveness of methods or materials.

Yes I shall avoid making exaggerated or unjustifiable claims for the effectiveness of my methods or materials in a way likely to encourage unrealistic expectations.

8 9

Make no implication that access to services may be affected by or dependent on participation in research. Respect the privacy and well-being of persons observed, obtaining consent except where those observed would normally expect to be observed by professionals.

Yes Yes

I shall not induce persons to participate by implying that access to services may be affected by or dependent on their participation. I will not abuse trust, power or status to pressurise persons into participating. Any observational study I do will respect the privacy and well-being of the persons observed, whether intended research participants or not. Unless those observed give their consent to being observed, observational research is only acceptable in situations where those observed would normally expect to be observed by strangers. Additionally, account will be taken of local cultural values and the possibility of intruding upon the privacy of individuals who, even while in a normally public space, may believe they are unobserved.

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Make clear to participants their right to withdraw from the research at any time. Regard persistent avoidance as evidence of such withdrawal and termination of consent.

Yes

I will not abuse trust, power or status to pressurise persons into participating. I will make it clear to participants their right to withdraw from the research at any time. I will consider persistent avoidance as evidence of failure of continuing consent. In the light of experience of the research, or as a result of debriefing, the participant has the right to withdraw retroactively any consent given, and to require that their own data, including recordings, be destroyed.

C
1

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Yes/No? If Yes Consideration Given/Action Required

Item
Preserve the confidentiality of all forms of data (including photographic data, audio and video recordings) to protect the privacy of individuals or organisations, unless appropriate permissions are given. Prevent unauthorised access to personal data and accidental loss or damage. Remember that incompetence is not an excuse in law (www.dundee.ac.uk/recordsmanagement). Ensure that data remain personally identifiable only as long as is necessary in the interests of those to whom they refer. Record only data relevant, adequate and not excessive for the current purpose of the research. Use no data given for one purpose for a different purpose without the explicit permission of the participant. Inform participants of the boundaries of confidentiality realistically available, including that such data do not enjoy legal privilege and the extent to which data might be shared between collaborators (who must also be clear about the boundaries of confidentiality). Inform appropriate third parties without the prior consent of the participant only where there is evidence to raise serious concern about the safety of participants or others who may be threatened by the participant's behaviour, and only after consultation with senior researchers (unless the delay caused by seeking this advice would involve a significant risk to life or health). Advise potential participants with a combination of attributes which make them readily identifiable that it could be difficult to disguise their identity completely. Make clear how participants will be able to see their own data, dispute it if necessary, alter content, withdraw and destroy data, provide additional data or add to interpretations, at any time. Advise participants of data retention and disposal policies and practices, with time scales and any firm intentions regarding later processing. Validate data (including secondary data) as accurate and keep it up-to-date.

Yes

2 3 4 5 6

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

I shall take all reasonable steps to preserve the confidentiality of all forms of data acquired through research (including photographic data, audio and video recordings) and to protect the privacy of individuals or organisations about which information is collected or held. I will prevent unauthorised access to personal data and accidental loss or damage. I will ensure that data over which I have control will remain personally identifiable only as long as is necessary in the interests of those to whom they refer. Only data relevant, adequate and not excessive for the current purpose of the research will be recorded. Information given for one purpose will not be used for a different purpose without the explicit permission of the participant. I will clearly inform participants of the boundaries of confidentiality realistically available, in a way comprehensible to participants. If there is sufficient evidence to raise serious concern about the safety or interests of participants, or about others who may be threatened by any participant's behaviour, I will first consult with senior researchers, unless the delay caused by seeking this advice would involve a significant risk to life or health, in which case I will inform the appropriate third parties without the prior consent of the participant. I shall make aware participants possessing a combination of attributes which make them readily identifiable that it could be difficult to disguise their identity completely without introducing an unacceptably large measure of distortion into the data. I will inform the participants clearly on how they can see their own data, dispute it if necessary, alter content, withdraw and destroy data and provide additional data or add to interpretations at any time they want. Participants will be advised of data retention and disposal policies and practices, with time scales and any firm intentions regarding later processing. Data (including secondary data) will be validated as accurate and kept up-to-date as relevant I will not transfer data to countries outside the European Union not governed by data protection legislation.

7 8 9 1 0 1 1

Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Transfer no data to countries outside the European Union not governed by data protection legislation. If the country is not governed by data protection legislation, please discuss with your Supervisor/School Research Committee

D
1 2

Debriefing
Yes/No? If Yes Consideration Given/Action Required

Item
Inform participants of procedures and means for contacting the researcher within a reasonable time period following participation should stress, potential harm, or related questions or concern arise. Discuss with participants their experience of the research, to monitor any unforeseen misconceptions or negative effects such as stress or anxiety. This is particularly important with participants who may be especially vulnerable. Such debriefing does not justify any unethical aspects of any research project. Provide participants with any additional information necessary to complete their understanding of the research after data have been collected

Yes Yes

Participants will be clearly informed of means and procedures for contacting myself within a reasonable time period following participation should stress, potential harm, or related questions or concern arise. I will discuss with participants their experience of the research in order to monitor any unforeseen negative effects or misconceptions, false hopes, unwanted self-knowledge, unnecessary anxiety, stress, discomfort or embarrassment particularly with participants who may be especially vulnerable. Once data has been collected, I will provide participants with information to complete their understanding of the research such as a summary report. These issues will be addressed in my research where the boundary between myself and participant may not be distinct, for example participant research or collaborative enquiry. If I obtain evidence of psychological or physical problems of which a participant appears to be unaware. In such a case, I will inform the participant if I believe that by not doing so the participants future wellbeing may be endangered. If a participant solicits advice concerning educational, personality, behavioural or health issues, caution will be exercised. If the issue is serious and I am not qualified to offer assistance, the appropriate source of professional advice will be recommended. Unless the giving of advice is appropriate because it forms an intrinsic part of my research and has been agreed with participants in advance.

Yes

4 5

Inform a participant if you obtain evidence of psychological or physical problems of which they appear unaware, if you believe the participants future wellbeing may be endangered. Give no advice to participants unless this forms an intrinsic part of the research and has been agreed in advance. An appropriate source of professional advice may be recommended.

Yes Yes

Dissemination
Relevant? Yes/No If Yes Consideration Given/Action Required

Item
1 Clarify in advance with sponsors and funders the limitations, advantages and disadvantages of various data sources and methods of analysis, and any claim from them on intellectual property rights or profits. Tolerate no influence on research by external agencies which is clearly in pursuance of ulterior economic, political or other motives.

Yes

Yes

3 4 5

Make sponsorship publicly explicit, including disclaimers if required. Maximise the dissemination of information to continuously enhance the accuracy, comprehensiveness and replicability of findings. Accept no restrictions on publication by default, e.g. by failure to answer requests for permission to publish or undue delay.

Yes Yes Yes

I will clarify in advance with sponsors and funders the limitations, advantages and disadvantages of various data sources and methods of analysis, and any claim from them on intellectual property rights or profits, where possible in the form of a written contract. I shall refer the sponsor or funder to the relevant parts of the professional code to which I adhere. I shall not accept Contractual conditions that are contingent upon a particular outcome, finding or evaluation from a proposed inquiry. I will not agree to, or condone by inactivity, influence by government or other funding agencies on the appointment of research staff, conduct of research, the analysis of findings, or the reporting of conclusions, where this is clearly in pursuance of ulterior economic, political or other motives. Attempts at such influence will be discussed with the source of intended influence, if necessary reported via the ethics control procedures of the host institution, and if necessary reported to the relevant professional association(s). I shall refer the sponsor or funder to the relevant parts of the professional code to which I adhere. Sponsors or funders have the right to have disclaimers included in my research report to differentiate their sponsorship from the conclusions of the research I will not conceal factors which are likely to affect satisfactory completion of a proposed research project or contract. Sponsorship of research will made explicit by myself during recruitment and dissemination. I will not accept any restrictions on publication by default.

Yes

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Report research design, instruments, procedures, analyses and results accurately and in sufficient detail to allow other researchers to understand, interpret and replicate them. Report findings accurately, truthfully and completely, excluding or acknowledging any bias or conflict of interest. Do not fabricate, falsify or misrepresent evidence, data, findings, or conclusions. Communicate findings and their practical significance in clear, straightforward, and appropriate language to relevant research populations, institutional representatives and other stakeholders. Yes Yes

I will report research design, instruments, procedures, results, and analyses accurately and in sufficient detail to allow other researchers to understand, interpret and replicate them. I will not fabricate, falsify or misrepresent evidence, data, findings, or conclusions. I will report my findings to all relevant stakeholders and not keep secret or selectively communicate my findings. I will communicate my findings and the practical significance of my research in clear, straightforward, and appropriate language to relevant research populations, institutional representatives, and other stakeholders If my findings are misused by others, then I will publically dissociate myself if necessary from those things which have been misused. I will not offer professional advice or judgements which go beyond the available evidence without making this clear. The data and results of a research study belong to me who designed and conducted the study unless alternative contractual arrangements have been made with respect to either the data or the results or both. Authorship will be determined on the basis that all those, regardless of status, who have made a substantive and/or creative contribution to my research which led to the intellectual product are entitled will be listed as authors of that product. Any person listed as an author will have given their consent to be so listed. First authorship and order of authorship will be agreed by the authors in relation to relative contributions in terms of leadership, creativity and effort expended. Others contributing to the research will be appropriately acknowledged. Organisations which fund or otherwise resource research yielding intellectual property or products are entitled to a fair share of any profits from such property or products, and it is helpful if this applies, then will be clarified in advance where possible.

9 1 0 1 1

Point out if your findings are misused by others, publicly dissociating yourself if necessary. Acknowledge the limits of available evidence when giving advice.

Yes Yes

Claim no credit for the research and intellectual property of others.

Yes

1 2

Determine authorship on the basis that all those contributing substantially to the research are listed, in relation to relative contributions in leadership, creativity and effort expended, with their consent.

Yes

1 3

Give due credit to collaborators, acknowledging less substantial contributions to the research.

Yes

We, the undersigned, have considered all the requirements of the Schools Research Ethics Code of Practice and will strive to comply with those relevant to the design, conduct, analysis and reporting of this research project. (All researchers and supervisors must sign and the original must be held secure. Each signatory should retain a copy. Participants may be given a copy). Signed: ___Amber-Jabeen Imran______ Signed: _____________________________ Signed: _____________________________ Signed: _____________________________ (Student) Name: ___Amber-Jabeen Imran________________ (Co-researcher) Name: __________________________________ (Co-researcher) Name: __________________________________ (Supervisor) Name: _________________________________ Date: _18 / 11/ 11_ Date: ________ Date: ________ Date: _________