Do I have to have approval even though I am only using an anonymous survey?
Yes, as the research is being conducted under the banner of the University of Queensland a particular standard should be met. Submitting documents for a review is one method of ensuring certain necessary aspects of human participation in research is being conducted in accordance with the established practices. Under the National and University Guidelines participants must have amongst other rights, an avenue to discuss concerns either with the investigators or someone not connected with the study. To ensure that this is available to all participants the University's Human Ethics Committees have approved use of a university ethical paragraph to be included in information sheets. Thus should contact be made to the University with concerns about the research the spokesperson will have details of the approved project.
Must I have separate information and consent forms?
No, this is not a mandatory requirement. However, should you decide to combine the information and consent sheets, you should clearly indicate that either a copy will be given to the participant to retain (so they will have contact details of the investigator and the University Ethics Officer) or clearly indicate the 'tear-off' part of the form for the return of the completed consent slip.
If the latter method is adopted, the 'tear-off' slip must also include the title of the project.
Does the University Ethical Paragraph have to be included in both the information and consent forms?
No, the University ethical paragraph should only be included in the information sheet or section of a combined sheet. It provides the participant with the necessary contact details of the researcher and if necessary, an avenue to discuss concerns with someone not connected with the project. The information sheet or section of a combined sheet should be retained by the participant, whereas the consent form should be completed and returned to the researcher.
Do I have to complete the application form?
Yes, the application form provides a uniform method of ascertaining important information and insight into the research project that enables the reviewing committee to decide upon your submission. Therefore, it is better to answer questions in detail than to cause possible delay in processing through omission of detail. The form also acts as a tool for the researcher to ensure that all areas of the research have been considered in regard to ethical requirements.
How long does the review process take?
The review process is dependent upon the content of the application form and its supporting documents, and on the level of risk associated with the project. All members of the reviewing committee considers each application submitted for full committee review. Consensus must be reached before any submissions to the Chairperson for approval. Thus a minimum of eights weeks should be allocated for the review process.
Whose responsibility is it to ensure that ethical approval for research is obtained?
It is the student's responsibility. Applications for ethical clearance must be developed in consultation with the student's advisory team.
Where can I find Business School and University policies on Ethical Clearance?
- University: Handbook of University Policies and Procedures site
- UQ Business School website
- Current UQ Business School Research Higher Degrees Handbook
- Current UQ Business Honours Handbook
Do I submit my application to BSEERC (the UQ's Behavioural and Social Sciences Ethical Review Committee) or the Business School's Ethical Review Committee?
Applications by Honours and RHD students will be assessed by the Business School's Ethical Review Committee.
My research proposal involves human participants. Who do I submit my application to?
PhD, MPhil and Honours students: Submit your application to the Business School's Honours Student Liaison Officer v.balson@business.uq.edu.au.
My research proposal involves student participation. Who do I submit my application to?
Submit your application to the School's Honours Student Liaison Officer in the first instance. Your application will be assessed by the School's Ethical Review Committee, and if approved, you must then seek permission from the School's Executive Officer to conduct your research within the classroom. You should include evidence that your application has been cleared by the School's Ethical Review Committee to the School's Executive Officer.
How many copies of my application should I provide?
Submit one copy of your application form and the accompanying documentation. An electronic copy is preferred.
What documentation do I need to provide to the School's Ethical Review Committee?
- Covering letter to the Committee introducing your project: download sample Covering letter
- UQ Application form: download application form
- Sample Participant Consent form (on UQBS letterhead): download consent form
- Sample Participant Information Sheet (on UQBS letterhead): download information sheet
- Sample Project Consent Form (Gatekeepers' permission) (on UQBS letterhead): download consent form
- Sample of the questionnaire being used for the survey
What happens to my application once it is submitted to the Honours Student Liaison Officer?
Your application is checked to ensure that all the documentation has been provided. If any paperwork is missing, the Honours Student Liaison Officer will contact the applicant to determine the reason. Once the paperwork is assembled, the application will be forwarded to the School's Ethical Review Committee for assessment.
Who makes the final decision on my application?
The Chair of the Ethical Review Committee will consider the recommendations of the reviewers. The Chair's decision will be issued as a formal letter to the applicant's semester address on Si-net
What happens if my application is rejected?
If the School's Ethical Review Committee feels more clarification is needed or there are other issues to be addressed, the applicant will be invited to address the issues and re-submit their documentation for a second assessment.
