Research Ethics & Law

  1. UBC RISe
    1. UBC Researcher Information Services (RISe)
    2. UBC Office of Research Services (ORS)
    3. Behavioural Research Ethics Board (BREB)
  2. Health Canada Research Ethics Board
  3. TCPS
    1. TCPS 2 (Tri-Council Policy Statement: Research Ethics)
      1. TCPS Tutorial
    2. Research is defined in the TCPS 2 as “An undertaking intended to extend knowledge through a disciplined inquiry or systematic investigation.”
    3. TCPS 2 Scope of Research Requiring REB Review
      1. The following distinguishes research requiring REB review from non-research activities that have traditionally employed methods and techniques similar to those employed in research. Such activities are not considered “research” as defined in this Policy, and do not require REB review. Activities outside the scope of research subject to REB review (see Articles 2.5 and 2.6), as defined in this Policy, may still raise ethical issues that would benefit from careful consideration by an individual or a body capable of providing some independent guidance, other than an REB. These ethics resources may be based in professional or disciplinary associations, particularly where those associations have established best practices guidelines for such activities in their discipline.
    4. For Research exempt from Research Ethics Review, see Chapter 2.
    5. Third Party Data
      1. TCPS2 Article 2.2:
        1. Research that is non-intrusive, and does not involve direct interaction between the researcher and individuals through the Internet, also does not require REB review. Cyber-material such as documents, records, performances, online archival materials or published third party interviews to which the public is given uncontrolled access on the Internet for which there is no expectation of privacy is considered to be publicly available information.
      2. See TCPS Summary of Third Party Interviews and Secondary Use of Data
    6. Self-Study & Teacher Inquiry 
      1. In most cases, self-study and teacher inquiry falls under a category of “Exempt from REB Review” (see above from TCPS 2).
      2. One of the revisions from TCPS 1 to TCPS 2 was a close look at the Exemptions as it became clear that many practices, including most of teaching, is self-governed by professional Codes of Ethics (e.g., BCTF). And in most cases what is submitted to Review Boards (e.g., UBC RISe @ BREB) falls under the category of Minimal Risk.
    7. In most cases as you write and report for your MEd Graduating Project, you will be paraphrasing your students’ comments. Or, in terms of the TCPS 2, directly quoting comments that are “publicly accessible” with “no reasonable expectation of privacy” (e.g., blog comments, etc.). That’s fine and well within exemption. However, some of you may deem it necessary to quote written comments your students make in the more private forums created for your innovations (e.g., Moodle).
    8. If you prefer not to paraphrase in these cases, it’s good practice to request consent to quote.
  4. Age of Consent
    1. It is not advisable to quote students under 14 years of age unless you have parental assent. Those able to give Consent under Minimal Risk are 14 years or older. Under 14 requires parental assent.
  5. Anonymity
    1. For the most part, all and any names (informants, participants, students, classes, schools, etc.) should be changed with pseudonyms. Identity is protected by through anonymity.
  6. Codes of Ethics
    1. American Anthropological Association
    2. American Educational Research Association
    3. Canadian Society for the Study of Education
    4. Society of Professional Journalists

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