{"id":6256,"date":"2017-09-13T08:00:45","date_gmt":"2017-09-13T12:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/communityfirst\/?p=6256"},"modified":"2017-09-11T09:37:04","modified_gmt":"2017-09-11T13:37:04","slug":"research-dilemmas-a-quick-guide-to-research-ethics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/communityfirst\/2017\/research-dilemmas-a-quick-guide-to-research-ethics\/","title":{"rendered":"Research Requirements: A Quick Guide to Research Ethics for Community-Based Research"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/a>by Ash Coutu, CFICE Communications Research Assistant<\/em><\/p>\n

You’ve probably heard the term “research ethics” before, especially if you’ve been involved in community-campus partnerships. But do you know what it’s all about?<\/p>\n

While the faculty member involved in a research partnership is ultimately responsible for submitting an ethics application for review, all partners should understand what research ethics is about and why it matters. This quick guide is intended to demystify research ethics for you!<\/p>\n

What is meant by ‘research ethics’?<\/h2>\n

Since research frequently steps into uncharted territory, it can present certain risks for those involved.<\/p>\n

Research ethics<\/strong>\u00a0are a set of policies that equip researchers with principles to help navigate ethical issues that arise in their research work.<\/p>\n

By having policies in place to protect those involved, we are able to take into consideration both the rights of the research participants and the benefit of the research itself.<\/p>\n

Canadian universities must follow the guidelines outlined by the Tri Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

Why is a research ethics clearance necessary?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A research ethics clearance is a requirement if you want to engage in research. You have to do it! However, the significance goes beyond the mundane task of filling out paperwork. A research ethics clearance:<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Keeps everyone safe and respected<\/strong><\/h3>\n

From a social justice perspective, a pre-determined code of ethics will ensure that the rights of all individuals involved in the research are intact.<\/p>\n

Helps you get funding<\/h3>\n

Grant applications\u00a0require ethics approval certificates. In most cases funding will not be released until the ethics approvals are in place.<\/p>\n

Ensures potentially difficult conversations are had early on<\/h3>\n

Learning from existing confidentiality agreements, consent forms, and previously established codes of ethics in your area of research will provide you with tools to build on. This can help you avoid potential conflicts among research partners down the road.<\/p>\n

Gets you published<\/h3>\n

When reporting and publishing the results of your research, future publications may require proof that you meet ethical principles.<\/p>\n

Who needs research ethics clearance?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Regardless of whether the researcher is a student, faculty member or adjunct, all researchers affiliated with a Canadian University must obtain an ethics clearance when working with human participants, including data about them.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

According to Carleton University,<\/a> all research proposals must be cleared by the appropriate Research Ethics Board (REB<\/a>) before the work can be carried out.<\/p>\n

Examples of research methods that require ethics clearance include:<\/p>\n