Ethics

All research undertaken by the McMatcher team is conducted in line with the University’s Research ethics policy available here.

Our research is conducted according to the principles of academic excellence, community, integrity, inclusiveness and professionalism.

Our research involves human participants and sometimes involves collecting the personal data of people which may mean they can be identified. As such each study that we undertake has been approved by an appropriate research ethics committee.

As part of gaining ethical approval we must demonstrate the following:

• Appropriate protection and respect for participants
• Clear lines of accountability for the ethical conduct of research
• An appropriate balance between the value of the research and the rights of the individuals.

The dignity of all research participants must be respected. In particular, participants have a right to:

• An appropriate and proportionate opportunity to give or refuse informed consent to participate or to withdraw from research projects without inducement or adverse consequence.
• Appropriate confidentiality
• Security, including where possible and appropriate anonymisation and storage of participants data.
• Safety, and safeguards appropriate to the risks posed by participation in research
• A clear framework for raising queries, concerns or complaints.

As researchers it is our responsibility to ensure our research is conducted:

• In accordance with the University’s standards of research integrity and good conduct
• In compliance with the law
• In accordance with the relevant funders’ and professional bodies’ requirements
• Having obtained formal consent wherever appropriate and/or possible
• In such a manner that the risks to participants or researchers are proportionate and managed.