Information for applicants

 

Issues to consider when providing information to potential participants

By far the greatest number of amendments that Ethics Committees ask to be made concern the information that will be given to participants. You must take time over this aspect as it is essential to explain what you are asking people to do and the possible implications so that they can make a proper decision for themselves whether they wish to take part.

You must clearly explain the following matters in terms that an ordinary person, rather than a specialist in your field, can understand:

  • that you are inviting them to take part in a research project
  • who you are – a student/your post in the University and, where relevant, your experience in conducting research of this kind
  • the nature, risks (if any), benefits (if any), duration and purpose of the research project. This must include clear information about what the participant will be asked to do, where the research will be carried out, any risks to the participant’s health and safety and the steps that will be taken to minimise those risks
  • that participation in the project is entirely voluntary
  • if the project is funded (and if so, by whom)
  • if the research project is part of a student’s coursework
  • what the information gathered is intended to be used for, including whether it is intended to publish the results
  • the arrangements concerning confidentiality of and access to information about the research participant
  • what, if any, arrangements are in place for compensation in the event of something going wrong
  • how the research participant can obtain further information about the project (such as by the provision of work contact numbers/email  for the researcher. Home contact numbers should not be given nor should university office numbers be given where the researcher is a student.)
  • who the research participant can contact if they are concerned about any aspect of how the research was conducted. This would normally be the Convener of the College Ethics Committee

If participation in a research project is likely to be of no direct benefit to the participants, you should explain this in the information sheet.

 

You should give the research participant a copy of the information sheet to keep.

 

For further details, please see the Guidelines for Participant Information Sheet (Feb 2019 update)

 

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