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The Moray House School of Education
Research Support Office

Research Ethics Approval Procedure

In 2001, the Faculty (School) Research Committee was invited to draw up an ethics policy and procedure that would cover all research undertaken under the auspices of the Faculty (School) of Education. Two working groups were set up to draft an ethics procedure taking into consideration existing codes of practice. One group looked at medical/child development research methodologies and issues while the other looked at social science issues.

It was not felt necessary or appropriate to devise a specific Faculty code of practice, as relevant disciplinary associations (BERA, BSA, BPS, BASES, etc) already have codes that command wide support. Instead, the groups proposed that the Faculty introduce a procedure which ensured that researchers were aware of, and had taken steps to conform to, the requirements of the code most relevant to their area of research. [Note: with the re-structuring of the University, the Faculty of Education is now known as The Moray House School of Education.]

An Ethics Sub-committee (ESC) to consider applications for ethical approval was established with membership representing the major disciplinary areas of research within the Faculty - sociological research; psychological research and physical education/sports science research. Membership is for three years initially.

A four-tier system of ethical approval is used:

Level 0: If your research project is completely desk-based, i.e. does not involve participants, you are not obliged to apply for ethical approval. However, you may find it useful to do so to ensure that you are conforming to confidentiality guidelines.
Level 1: Applies to 'straightforward' non-intervention, observational research (e.g. analysis of archived data, classroom observation, use of standardised questionnaires).
Level 2: Covers novel procedures or the use of atypical participant groups – usually projects in which ethical issues might require more detailed consideration but were unlikely to prove problematic.
Level 3: Applies to research that is potentially problematic in that it may incorporate an inherent physical or emotional risk to participants.

Please note that if you are planning to carry out a University-wide survey of students, or a survey which includes students beyond one college, it is neceessary to seek approval from the Student Ethics Committee.

Current Practice for PhD, EdD and Masters Students is that the student and supervisor discuss ethical issues and monitor these as work progresses. It is also recommended that both complete an ethical application form together, sign this and both keep a copy. A jointly-signed statement is also acceptable. Ethical approval applications do not need to be submitted to the Schools' Ethics Sub-Committee for consideration unless the research planned will require Level 3 approval.

Definition of Level 3: Applies to work that is potentially problematic in that it may incorporate an inherent physical or emotional risk to participants.

Application Form and Approval Procedure

An application form is available below for completion electronically and submission with a signed Approval Request Form to the Research Support Office. The various codes of practice mentioned above are also available at this site, for reference.

Downloadable Application Form
CHSS Code of Research Ethics

Ethical Approval Procedure:
The following outlines the procedure used to process Ethical Approval Applications.The Research Ethics Sub-committee usually hopes to deal with applications within 3 weeks of receipt.

Level 0: For research at this level there is no requirement to submit an application. However, it is suggested that members of staff may find it useful to go through the form to ensure they are conforming to confidentiality guidelines.
Level 1: Once the application is received by the RSO, it is logged and sent to the School Research Ethics Officer (Jane Brown), who, if necessary, can consult with any other member of the Research Ethics Sub-committee. The RSO (Clare Guymer) acts as a conduit for comments and responses between the Sub-committee member(s). Comments on the application are anonymised. Once approval is given the RSO notifies the applicant by email. If specifically requested a formal letter can also be issued.
Level 2: Once the application is received by the RSO, it is logged and sent to two members of the Research Ethics Sub-committee within the applicant's area of research. The same process as Level 1 with the RSO (Clare Guymer) acting as a conduit for comments (which are anonymised) and responses. Applicant informed of approval by e-mail and formal letter also sent.
Level 3: Once the application is received by the RSO, it is logged and circulated to all members of the Research Ethics Sub-committee. The Sub-committee meets thrice a year, normally on the same date as the School Research Committee. If possible, the application will be considered at one of these meetings. If not, a meeting will be called to consider the application.
Any comments are sent to the applicant by the RSO, who also receives any response from the Applicant.
Once approval has been agreed the applicant is informed by email and a formal letter is sent.