University Masters Project: Research Ethics Checklist and Brand Impact

This document presents a completed research ethics checklist for a Masters-level research project. The project investigates the impact of brands on the consumer decision-making process. The checklist, intended for university ethics committee review, addresses various ethical considerations, including participant vulnerability, informed consent, sensitive topics, potential risks, data security, and researcher safety. The checklist requires the researcher to answer questions related to the project's scope, potential risks, and participant involvement. It also includes instructions for students and supervisors, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and adherence to university and professional guidelines. The completed checklist, along with supervisor comments and approval, is a mandatory component of the project submission, ensuring ethical research practices are followed.

Research Ethics Checklist
A checklist should be completed for every research project which 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
(applicant):
Module name and number:
Name of Module Leader: Paul Dudley
Course: Masters
2 Project details
Impact of Brand on Consumer Decision making Process
Please provide a brief description of the project: The project will deal with the effectiveness
of the brands that help in influencing the decision making process of the consumers. The
result of the research will help in providing a better understanding whether the customers
are attracted towards a particular brand or may shift due to certain factors.
3 Research checklist (to check if more than minimal risk)
Please answer each question by ticking the appropriate box:
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YES NO
1. Does the study involve students within the University?
POSSIBLY
2. Does the study involve employees of the University?
3. Does the study involve participants who are particularly vulnerable or
unable to give informed consent: children, those with cognitive
impairment?
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)
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)
6. Will the study involve discussion of sensitive topics or illegal activity
(e.g. sexual activity, drug use)?
7. Are drugs, placebos or other substances (e.g. food substances,
vitamins) to be administered to the study participants or will the study
involve invasive, intrusive or potentially harmful procedures of any
kind?
8. Will tissue samples (including blood) be obtained from participants?
9. Is pain or more than mild discomfort likely to result from the study?
10. Could the study induce psychological stress or anxiety or cause harm
or negative consequences beyond the risks encountered in normal
life?
11. Will the study involve prolonged or repetitive testing?
12. Will the research involve administrative or secure data that requires
permission from the appropriate authorities before use?
13. Is there a possibility that the safety of the researcher may be in
question (e.g. in international research: locally employed research
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assistants)?
14. Does the research involve members of the public in a research
capacity (participant research)
15. Will any of the research take place outside the UK?
16. Will the research involve respondents to the internet or other
visual/vocal methods where respondents may be identified?
17. Will research involve the sharing of data or confidential information
beyond the initial consent given?
18. Will financial inducements (other than reasonable expenses and
compensation for time) be offered to participants?
Research that may need to be reviewed by NHS NRES Committee or an
external Ethics Committee
19. Will the study involve recruitment of patients or staff through the NHS
or the use of NHS data or premises and/or equipment?
20. Does the study involve participants age 16 or over who are unable to
give informed consent? (e.g. people with learning disabilities: see
Mental Capacity Act 2005).
Instructions for all students
1. You must complete this form BEFORE you are entitled to commence your primary
data collection
2. The form must be sent to your Course Tutor for approval
3. Your approved ethics form must be included in your final submission as part of your
appendices. This is a University required and if the ethics form is not included your
work may not be marked
4. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your research please contact your
supervisor in the first instance.
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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 counter-
signed.
The student has been made aware of the University’s Code of Good Research
Practice and relevant professional codes of conduct
The topic merits further research
The student has the skills to carry out the research
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/Course Tutor:
Approved
Supervisor/Course Tutor:
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:
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