UCB Research Ethics Application Guide

This document provides a comprehensive guide to the University of Central Birmingham (UCB) research ethics application process. It outlines the necessity of ethical approval for primary research involving human participants, directly or indirectly. The guide details the application procedure, including who to contact based on your student status, the consequences of not receiving clearance, and the importance of adhering to UCB Research and Ethical guidelines throughout the research process. Additionally, it explains the Student Declaration and includes a checklist for ethical considerations in research.

Research Ethics: Application for Ethical Clearance at UCB
SHOULD I COMPLETE THE ETHICS APPLICATION FORM?
You should complete this form if you plan to undertake a primary research project which
will involve people participating in your research either directly (e.g. interviews,
questionnaires) and/or indirectly (e.g. allowing non UCB staff to access your
data/results).
WHY IS ETHICS APPROVAL NECESSARY?
Please read UCB Research and Ethics guidelines.
WHERE DO I SEND THE APPLICATION?
Undergraduate (BA/BSc): [e-mail]
Postgraduate (MA/MSc): [e-mail]
WHAT DO I DO IF MY PROPOSED RESEARCH IS NOT GIVEN ETHICAL CLEARANCE?
You will not carry out any primary research. If you do, your student project will not be
accepted for assessment and no resit opportunity will be given, and for staff research,
disciplinary action may be taken against you.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY RESEARCH IS GIVEN ETHICAL CLEARANCE?
Clearance would have been granted based upon the information and detail you submit
here for consideration. If you receive ethical clearance, you must NEVER change your
primary research plan. Ethical clearance being granted still requires you to adhere to
UCB Research and Ethical guidelines at all times.
CAN I SUBMIT ANOTHER APPLICATION FOR ETHICAL CLEARANCE IF MY FIRST ONE IS
REFUSED?
Yes. However, please be aware that the second application will need to be significantly
different to the first and must have addressed the feedback given to you.
UCB Ethical Clearance Form
Revised August 2016

UCB Ethical Clearance Form
Revised August 2016

Student Declaration
Research Project Title:
In signing this Student Declaration, I am confirming that:
 The Ethical Clearance Form I am submitting for my project is accurate to
the best of my knowledge and belief.
 If the project is not approved, I will not carry out any primary research.
 If the project is approved, it will adhere to UCB Research and Ethics
guidelines.
 If the project is approved, I will not change the primary research design.
 I will inform the UCB Research Centre if anyone makes a complaint about
the content or conduct of the primary research.
Name of Student:
Email Address:
Mobile:
Full ID Code:
Name of Supervisor:
Supervisor signature: Date:
Degree registered for:
Proposed Research Title:
Signature of Student: Date:
UCB Ethical Clearance Form
Revised August 2016

✔
UCB Ethical Clearance Form
Revised August 2016

APPLICATION FOR ETHICAL CLEARANCE FORM
Please tick YES NO
1. Does your research involve participants who are particularly vulnerable or
unable to give informed consent?
√
2. Does your research involve children or young people under the age of 18? √
3. Will it be necessary for participants to take part in your research without their
knowledge/consent at the time? (e.g. an observation study)
√
4. Will your research involve discussion of topics that the participants might find
sensitive (e.g. sexual activity, alcohol/drug use, discrimination issues)?
√
5. Will your research involve prolonged or repetitive physical or psychological
testing?
√
6. Will your research involve physical examinations and/or the use of medical
records/reports?
√
7. Could your research induce psychological stress, anxiety, cause harm, or
negative consequences?
√
8. Will financial inducements of any kind be offered to participants? √
9. In terms of personal safety, are you putting yourself and/or your participants at
risk in any way? (e.g., out alone at night, interviewing in your or your
participant’s home, carrying out research in unpredictable or sensitive situations)
√
10. Will your research involve the production of recorded media such as audio
and video recordings?
√
11. Do you propose to carry out primary research in a place of work or
survey/interview staff of a specific organisation by any other means?
√
12. Will any non UCB staff have access your results/data? √
13. Will your research involve using online chat rooms, forums or blogs? √
UCB Ethical Clearance Form
Page 1 UCB Ethical Clearance Form
Revised August 2016

If you have answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, use the space below to
refer to each ‘yes’ in turn and explain how you will ensure that your research
complies fully with UCB Research and Ethical guidelines (continue on a separate
sheet if necessary).
UCB Ethical Clearance Form
Page 1 UCB Ethical Clearance Form
Revised August 2016

This box is to be completed by your
Supervisor
The student has fully discussed with me the
content of their completed Ethical
Clearance Form.
YES √ NO
Supervisor comments:
UCB Ethical Clearance Form
Page 1 UCB Ethical Clearance Form
Revised August 2016