English Department
Faculty of Art and Humanities
Departmental Review Process (DRP) for Ethical Review of Student Projects Involving Human Subjects
Attention Students:
For "Procedures for Students" go here.
A. Purpose
Vancouver Island University (VIU) defines human subject research as “any gathering of information about human subjects. This includes most naturalistic observation, physical, sociological, or psychological tests and measurements, survey research, non-intrusive systematic observation, and the study of recorded data from previous studies, databases, and archives, in which it is possible to identify living individuals.” For the complete Policy 31.03 (Research Involving Human Subjects), go to http://www.viu.ca/research/committees/crihs/history.asp.
The purpose of Ethical Review is to ensure the protection of principles and practices of ethical research, of the role and integrity of the researcher, and, above all, of the human subjects of any research investigations.
The Committee for Research Involving Human Subjects (CRHIS) is responsible for all matters involving the researching of human subjects either on or off campus. This Committee is mandated to ensure that all research involving human subjects is subjected to ethical review and is not advanced without approval of the Committee. The Committee has designed a procedure, based on the policy and procedures, which allows student course projects to be reviewed at a departmental level by a CRIHS-delegated autority (DRP subcommittee), when that department has an approved departmental review process in place.
English Studies and related disciplines (Linguistics, Film Studies) often involve a wide range of projects which are important opportunities for the investigation of issues, application of theory, and the relating of ideas gained from study (reading, lecture) to life situations and decisions. Research may include implementation of questionnaires and surveys, compilation of field notes and observations, and the conducting of interviews. It is incumbent on Department members, as professionals, to be aware of and sensitive to ethical concerns and to make sure that their students are equally responsive to these issues.
No student research involving human subjects, meeting the requirements for Departmental Review Process, will be carried out without approval of the department of English DRP subcommittee, a delegated authority of the CRIHS.
B. Composition
The English Department subcommittee, which will be responsible for properly vetting student research plans, will be comprised of three full-time faculty members with a minimum of 3 years teaching at VIU.
C. Procedures for Faculty
All faculty research projects involving humans must be presented to CRIHS at VIU for review and approval.
Faculty are strongly encouraged to take the Tutorial on the Ethical Conduct of Research offered on-line by the Interagency Advisory Panel on Research Ethics' (PRE), and attach the Certificate of Completion – see http://www.pre.ethics.gc.ca/english/tutorial/welcome.cfm.
For all other relevant forms, including Application for Ethical Review, Research Consent Form description and example, Debriefing Form description and example, visit http://www.viu.ca/research/committees/crihs/forms.asp.
D. Procedures for StudentsTwo forms are required:
English DRP Proposal Form
Researchers should also read the detailed description of this form.
English DRP Consent Form
Researchers should also read the detailed description of this form.
1. While student research projects involving human subjects must meet the same criteria as faculty projects, they may be reviewed and approved within the Department provided that they meet ALL of the following conditions:
a. Projects are part of course requirements.
b. Projects are of “minimal risk” - see Minimal Risk Checklist.
c. Projects involve no deception, misleading, or manipulation of the research participants.
d. All records, proposals, consent forms, etc. are submitted to the supervisory instructor and preserved for 3 years along with records of deliberations and Department approval of each project.
2. Students are required to take the Tutorial on the Ethical Conduct of Research offered on-line by the Interagency Advisory Panel on Research Ethics' (PRE), and attach the Certificate of Completion – see http://www.pre.ethics.gc.ca/english/tutorial/welcome.cfm.
3. Students should use the “APPLICATION FOR DEPARTMENTAL ETHICAL REVIEW OF STUDENT PROJECTS – CHECKLIST” as a guide for the application process.
4. A PROPOSAL and a RESEARCH CONSENT FORM are to be submitted to the Department of English subcommittee for approval and must be presented a minimum of 2 weeks before the research is initiated.
The RESEARCH CONSENT FORM should include:
a. the title and a brief overview of the project;
b.
the purpose and a description of the research;
c.
a description of potential harms/benefits;
d.
a statement concerning confidentiality;
e.
a statement clarifying that the research is voluntary and that the participant may withdraw at any time;
f.
a statement explaining how the information will be used;
g.
the date, and the signatures of the student, the research participant, and an independent contact.
For a Consent Form example, students may reference http://www.viu.ca/research/committees/crihs/crihs_docs/ExampleConsentForm.pdf
5. The PROPOSAL must include:
a. The name of the student(s) carrying out the project and the faculty research supervisor (including phone numbers and email addresses);
b. The title of the proposed research project;
c. The purpose of the research;
d. The intended research participants;
e. How participants will be recruited and, if applicable, compensated for their participation;
f. The method(s) used for gathering information (using deception is not allowed);
g. The formal training he/she has received (or is receiving) for conducting ethical research in the humanities;
h. When, how, and to what extent the nature, purposes and results of the research will be explained to the subjects;
i. The anticipated risks and benefits for research participants;
j. A description of how informed consent will be obtained;
k. Attached copies of the research instruments to be used to gather information (e.g., questionnaires, test items, sample tasks, interview questions, etc.).
6. Instructor Responsibilities:
a. Assess student research proposals;
b. Oversee any revisions;
c. Ensure that the student destroys any raw data within one month of the end of the course;
d. Be familiar with the policies of Vancouver Island University and the Tri-Council regarding ethical considerations and process, and ensure that students are familiar with these policies and procedures as well.
7. PROPOSALS which do not meet ALL the requirements stated above under “Student Projects” will either be rejected or delayed from proceeding. PROPOSALS which are not clearly presented will also be returned to the student for recommended changes and will require re-submission. This exchange of information will be made through the supervisory instructor. Applications which are lacking the RESEARCH CONSENT FORM will also be rejected or delayed.
In the event the execution of a formal (signed) RESEARCH CONSENT FORM is not appropriate given the low risk of the research and/or cultural considerations of the proposed research participants, the requirement for execution of a formal (signed) RESEARCH CONSENT FORM may be alternately satisfied with the submission of a STUDY INFORMATION FORM. A STUDY INFORMATION FORM must include the same information as a RESEARCH CONSENT FORM (as above), less the signature requirement. In place of the signature line, the STUDY INFORMATION FORM should include a statement to the effect that the participant has read and understood the study information and that his/her participation indicates free and informed consent to participate in the proposed research.