Ethical Approval
Formal permission granted by a designated institutional committee to conduct a study, confirming that the research design adheres to established ethical guidelines.
What is Ethical Approval?
Ethical approval is the outcome of a rigorous review process where a committee (like an IRB or Ethics Committee) evaluates a proposed research protocol. The committee assesses the study's risks and benefits, the adequacy of the informed consent process, and data protection measures before allowing data collection to begin.
Why Ethical Approval Matters
It provides independent oversight to protect participants from harm and institutions from liability. Most academic journals and funding bodies require proof of ethical approval before they will publish research or disburse grants.
Example
Before interviewing patients about their experiences with terminal illness, a researcher submits their interview guide, consent forms, and data security plan to the university ethics committee and waits for official clearance before contacting any patients.
Common Mistakes
- Beginning participant recruitment or data collection before receiving the official, written letter of approval.
- Making significant changes to the study protocol (e.g., adding a new vulnerable population) without submitting an amendment for further ethical review.
- Assuming that research using publicly available data (like social media posts) automatically exempts them from needing any form of ethical review or waiver.