Module 2 – Ethical Research

Why we focus on ethical research?

In this module, we look at some of the things you need to consider when beginning any research project so that it is ethical. Research has not always been done with the best interests of participants in mind. Because of this, in Canada and most countries in the world, there are rules for conducting research to make sure it is ethical. Research that involves human participants should be reviewed by a research body, for instance from a university, to make sure it is ethical. Even if you do not have access to a research ethics board, the principles of ethical research are set out in a range of places accessible online. In Canada, researchers generally follow the rules set out in the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Human, which covers the rules for ethical research created by three different national agencies, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). 

The Tri-Council focuses on making sure research includes:

  1. Respect for persons,
  2. Concern for welfare, and
  3. Justice. 

What are the key concepts?

Ethical research pays attention to:

  • How the use of human subjects is conducted
  • That there is free and informed Consent
  • That there is fairness and equity in the research
  • That participant’s privacy and confidentiality are protected
  • That there is a plan for and communication about the use of data
  • That special protections are provided to vulnerable populations
  • That any conflict of interest is named and addressed
  • That  power over dynamics are minimised
  • That participants may be granted anonymity
  • That the research is safe and minimizes risk

Video

We put together a quick video with Kathleen Manion and guest Gina Armellino, from the Research Ethics Board of Royal Roads University to discuss what to keep in mind when designing and research project to make sure it is ethical. 

How can we practice?

Reflection – Keeping participants safe

When creating your research project, think about who your participants are and what they need to feel safe to talk with you or share their ideas with you.

Consider the following:

  • Do they know what you are asking them to do, and do they know why?
  • Have you let them know what you will do with what they have shared with you, both now and in the future?
  • Is what you are asking them to do fair and just?
  • If they face any vulnerabilities that may mean they cannot fully understand what you are asking them to do or cannot give consent, have you asked their parent or guardian about their participation as well as them? (This includes if they are under 18).
  • Have you thought about how to keep their information private, confidential and how to make sure no one knows that they participated in your research?
  • Have you thought about any risks involved in the research? If these are not minor, consider if you should continue with the research. The benefits should outweigh the risks. Have you thought about how to minimise these?  
  • Are participants free to say no to participating or to say no to any part of the research? Have you made sure they will not feel forced to participate?
  • Have you thought about the culture of your participants and is the research respectful of their culture?
  • If you have said yes to all of these, you are on the right track.

If you have said no to some of these, you should probably spend more time thinking about making this ethical.

It is helpful to talk to a mentor about how to make sure this is appropriate and safe for participants.

Where can we find out more? 

To make sure your research is ethical, you should have someone else check it out for you. If you want to know more about Ethical Research here are some resources to look out for:

Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans – https://ethics.gc.ca/eng/policy-politique_tcps2-eptc2_2018.html

Here is a website that talks about how to conduct ethical research when working with children:

Ethical Research Involving Children – https://childethics.com/ethical-guidance/