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.
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