Ethical Conduct of Research Policy – Appendix 1: Responsible Research Practice

1. Recommended procedure for research:

1. Questionnaires, interviews, etc., should be as short and non-intrusive as possible. Do not ask for unnecessary information.
2. Anonymous responses are to be used wherever possible as this will substantially reduce difficulties with storage of information and protection of privacy.
3. Where the information gathered is not anonymous, ensure that participants have the opportunity to edit any data gathered so as to reduce any likelihood of misrepresentation. (Note: this may not be appropriate for all research, such as investigative journalism.)
4. Wherever possible and appropriate, offer to share findings with subjects/participants.
5. Ensure that data is de-identified and safely stored, and that there is a schedule for disposal of data at least 5 years after publication of any related research results. (Note: the appropriate body, e.g. HREC, Faculty Research Committee, should be advised of disposal of data, which may result in the destruction or archiving of material for future use.) (See Appendix 2.)

Note: these considerations apply regardless of whether formal ethics approval is necessary.

2. The following is not acceptable research practice:

1. Coercion to participate.
2. Any fraud or abuse of data.
3. Any research aimed at furthering the sale and promotion of tobacco products. (The University policy prohibits the acceptance of any research funding aimed at furthering the sale and promotion of tobacco products.)

3. All information (such as consent forms, information sheets, etc.) given to participants/subjects must include:

1. Identification of researcher.
2. Where the researcher is a student, details must be given including the degree being undertaken, the responsible supervisor and institution.
3. Identification of institution and University telephone number & University address of researcher. (Note: the HREC considers it inappropriate for home telephone numbers and addresses to be given, except in exceptional circumstances.)
4. Purpose of study.
5. Sufficient detail for subject/participants to understand what the research will involve.
6. Details of how the information will be stored and eventual plans for the data, whether archiving and or destruction of raw data.
7. Details of what will happen to information gathered, such as how it will be published and the likely impact on participants of publishing.
8. A statement that participants are free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason, and without any penalty or risk of harm.

4. Extra justification is required for any research:

1. Which involves risk of harm for subjects/participants (particularly possible long-term effects) which researchers would not wish for themselves or their families.
2. Where the subjects/participants do not have full knowledge or have not fully consented (for example, in observational research). (See Appendix 2.)
3. Using deception (unless it has been successfully argued to the HREC that the harm involved in the deception is outweighed by the potential benefits of the research, or that such deception is less harmful, and that the subjects/participants will be debriefed as soon as possible following the deception).
4. In which information relating to subjects/participants may be divulged to a third party when confidentiality/anonymity has been promised, except in line with the Privacy Principles. (See section on Disclosure of information in Appendix 2.)
5. Where undue monetary or other inducement is offered in return for participation in research (this does not include ordinary compensation for out-of-pocket expenses, such as taxi fares, etc.). (See section on Compensation in Appendix 2.)
6. Involving minors without prior approval from a parent or guardian.

Last administrative update: February 2000