Research Ethics Checklist for Undergraduate Students

This article provides a research ethics checklist for undergraduate students to identify whether a full application for ethics approval needs to be submitted to their Faculty Ethics Committee. It includes applicant details, project details, and a checklist of questions to determine if the risk is more than minimal. The article also includes instructions for students and supervisors, as well as a section for comments from the supervisor.

Research Ethics Checklist – Undergraduate Students
A checklist should be completed for every research project; this is used to identify whether a full
application for ethics approval needs to be submitted to your Faculty Ethics Committee.
1 Applicant details
Name of Researcher
(Student):
Module name and number:
Name of Module Leader:
Course:
2 Project details
Project title: To identify the different kind of social media marketing strategies and role
performed by them in attracting customers within retail industry. A study on Next Plc
Please provide a brief description of the project:
Aim of the research:
To identify the different kind of social media marketing strategies and role performed by
them in attracting customers within retail industry. A study on Next Plc
Methods employed to collect data and the participants:
Primary and secondary research methods are used so that first-hand and second-hand
information can be recorded. Quantitative information is majorly collected to assemble
numerical piece of information.
3 Research checklist (select “YES” if the risk is more than minimal)
Please answer each question by ticking the appropriate box:

YES NO
1. Does the study involve students within the University? NO
2. Does the study involve employees of the University? NO
3. Does the study involve participants who are particularly vulnerable or
unable to give informed consent (e.g. children, those with cognitive
impairment)?
NO
4. Will the study require the co-operation of a gatekeeper for initial access
to the groups or individuals to be recruited (e.g. students at school,
members of self-help group, residents of nursing home)?
NO
5. Will it be necessary for participants to take part in the study without their
knowledge and consent at the time (e.g. covert observation of people in
non-public places)?
NO
6. Will the study involve discussion of sensitive topics or illegal activity
(e.g. sexual activity, drug use)?
NO
7. Will the research involve administrative or secure data that requires
permission from the appropriate authorities before use?
NO
8. Is there a possibility that the safety of the researcher may be in question
(e.g. in international research: research at airports)?
NO
9. Does the research involve members of the public in a research capacity
(participant research)?
NO
10. Will any of the research take place outside the UK? NO
11. Will the research involve respondents to the internet or other visual/vocal
methods where respondents may be identified?
NO
12. Will research involve the sharing of data or confidential information
beyond the initial consent given?
NO
13. Will financial inducements (other than reasonable expenses and
compensation for time) be offered to participants?
NO
If any item is ticked then an application to your Faculty Research Ethics Committee is required.

Instructions for students
1. You must complete this form BEFORE you commence your primary data collection
2. The form must be submitted together with your research proposal
3. Your approved ethics form must be included in your final submission as part of your
appendices. This is a University requirement and if the ethics form is not included your
work will not be marked
The student has been made aware of the University’s Code of Good Research
Practice and relevant professional codes of conduct
The participant information sheet or leaflet is appropriate (where applicable)
The procedures for recruitment and obtaining informed consent are appropriate
(where applicable)
Comments from supervisor (please complete
this section if you have any reservations about
the proposed research):
Please leave blank Supervisor Use
I confirm that work as described will be carried out in full conformity to all ethical
standards and any additional professional requirements.
Name (please print):
Signed:

Date:
ETHICS SUB-
COMMITTEE
APPROVAL
Name Remark Sign Date
*Please leave blank (Instructions for supervisors)
Please check the appropriate boxes. Even if the student has answered ‘no’ to all questions in
Section 3, the study should not begin until all boxes have been checked and the form has been
approved by you.