Ethics
The University of Glasgow requires that all research involving human data or material is subject to formal ethical review.
This guidance applies to all staff and students in the School of Education undertaking research in their capacity as members of the University of Glasgow.
In the case of students, it covers research undertaken by a student currently registered for a degree within the School as a recognised part of his or her degree programme. However, it does not cover work carried out as part of the teaching of the programme, for example, students conducting established experiments as part of their learning. Ethical issues in respect of such matters continue to be dealt with through School teaching committees and the Senate Education Committee.
In respect of non-student research, the University policy of review of non-clinical research applies to individuals carrying out research for the University including, without limitation, all University employees, irrespective of whether their current place of work is within or outside University premises and all visiting researchers of the University irrespective of whether they are employed by the University, including persons with honorary positions, conducting research within, or on behalf of, the University.
What research does it cover?
This guidance covers all research involving human participants or human data or material. It applies whether the research is funded or not and whatever the source of funding. The ethical review process does not include research where the information about human subjects is publicly and lawfully available, e.g. information published in the census, population statistics published by government departments; personal letters, diaries etc held in public libraries.
An important point to remember is that:
" Although researchers are committed to the advancement of knowledge, that goal does not, in itself, provide an entitlement to override the rights of others."
Statement 11 of the Ethical Practice for the BSA, March 2002.
How do I obtain ethical approval?
Applications for ethical approval should be made to the School of Education Ethics Committee. The Application form can be downloaded. An electronic copy of all documentation must be submitted before the proposal can be considered. For students the application form must be submitted either by the student's supervisor, or by the submission of an email attachment of the scanned, signed declaration at the end of the form. Student applications that do not have supervisor authorisation will not be processed. The other documents to be submitted are the checklist and, where appropriate, a Plain Language Statement (PLS), a consent form and any questionnaires and interview schedules to be used as part of the research. Details of where to send these are on the application form. Guidance is available on the development of the plain language statement and consent form. Forms should be submitted at least 4 weeks in advance of the start of the research. Further details of the process are outlined in the School procedures.
Approval will be granted for the specified period of time. If the project extends beyond the initial term of approval, or should the nature of the research change, further approval will require to be obtained by the researcher. This can usually be done by outlining the changes in a letter to the School Ethics Officer. This will be assessed in the usual manner.
Appeals
If you are dissatisfied with the decision made by the School Ethics Forum you should in the first instance discuss this with the Ethics Officer. If discussion is unable to resolve the issue satisfactorily an appeal may be made to the University Ethics Committee. However, it should be noted that the University Ethics Committee will not normally interfere with a School Ethics Forum decision to require revisions to the project, such as to amend an information sheet or consent form. The University Ethics Committee is concerned with the general principles of natural justice, reasonableness and fairness of the decision made by the School Ethics Committee.