Psychology Department - CITY College, University of York Europe Campus
Κολέγιο CITY College
Main Campus, Thessaloniki, Greece

Research Ethics (CITY College / University of Sheffield)

Psychology Department

“Ethics is central to everything we do whether in research or practice.”

The British Psychological Society

Why you need research ethics approval?

Behavioural science research can yield important findings for the understanding of the mental processes, human experience, social interaction and a wide range of other interesting topics, either within the realms of behavioural sciences, or in interdisciplinary research projects. Nevertheless, to be meaningful and make a positive impact to the development of science and society, research should abide by research ethics guidelines. First and foremost, researchers, participants and potential stakeholders, such as funding bodies, should place trust on behavioural science research and be reassured that this research respects human rights and personal freedoms. Secondly, ethics guidelines enable mutual respect, effective communication, and trustworthiness between researchers and participants. Finally, research findings are meaningless and questionable if research ethics guidelines are not followed, reminding us that good research, is also ethical research.

Our department expects that all research undertaken by staff or students to abide by the University’s Ethics Policy and the Code of Human Research Ethics of the British Psychological Society. 

The new ethics and integrity homepage can be found here: https://students.sheffield.ac.uk/research-services/ethics-integrity

 

The University’s Research Ethics Policy

As a world-class research institution, the University of Sheffield aspires to produce the highest quality research. At the heart of this is the key principle that governs all research involving human participants, personal data and human tissue: respect for the participants' welfare and rights. Researchers have an obligation to ensure that their research is conducted ethically and with the minimum possible risk to all those involved or affected by it.

The Policy comprises three sections, each of which has the authority of University of Sheffield policy (in each section, the Ethics Policy Governing Research Involving Human Participants, Personal Data And Human Tissue may be referred to as 'the Research Ethics Policy', and the University of Sheffield as 'the University'. The University of Sheffield's Research Ethics Committee may be abbreviated to 'UREC').

From the 25th May, 2018 the General Data Protection regulation (GDPR) has come into force across the EU. The UREC have provided an overview of the implications of GDPR for research involving human participants and personal data, along with guidance on anonymity and confidentiality:
Guidance on the implications of GDPR for researchers in psychology

Information and supporting documents regarding data collection, data protection and the GDPR

GDPR and data protection: Guidelines for staff

 

Research Ethics Approval Procedures of the Psychology Department

The Research Ethics Approval Procedure (which has the status of University of Sheffield policy) sets out the practicalities of research ethics review at the University of Sheffield and should be read by all University staff and registered students who are conducting, or planning to conduct, research involving human participants, personal data, and human tissue, as well as any others conducting research on University premises.

Important note: The University's approach to research ethics requires that all research involving human participants, personal data, or human tissue should be reviewed, and research ethics approval obtained, before data gathering commences.

More details about the Ethics Review Procedure

For useful advice, also please visit The University Procedure in Practice

Additional information, including supporting resources and guides, for staff or students (and their supervisors)  who need to apply for ethics approval via the University Research Ethics Procedure: 
Supporting resources for the University Ethics Review Procedure

 

Research Ethics Committee of the Psychology Department

The Department's Research Ethics Committee oversees the ethics procedures across all degree programmes for both students and staff. The Ethics for Research Coordinator, Research Project Coordinator (Dr Aristea Ladas: arladas@seerc.org) is available to offer advice to staff and students. 

 

How to obtain Ethics Approval for your Research?

You can obtain ethics approval for your research by visiting the Online Ethics Review System and completing the necessary sections of the application form. You can access the Online Ethics Review System at:

https://ethics.ris.shef.ac.uk

Supporting documents (helpsheets) are available to assist you in submitting the application and successfully completing the submission process. You can access these documents by clinking on the respective links below:

 

Appeals

The University Research Ethics Committee (UREC) oversees the department's ethics review procedures. In very exceptional cases where agreement cannot be reached within the department, this committee can review applications. Members of the department wishing to appeal a decision of the Department´s Ethics Review Committee should inform Lindsay Unwin (Research & Innovation Services), Secretary to the UREC.

University Research Ethics Committee

The UREC publishes specialist guidance papers on specific ethical issues (e.g., working with young people, older people, people with learning disabilities, etc.). Latest guidance on ethical issues in conducting research on emotionally demanding topics (e.g., abuse, atrocity, death, dying, gender, grief, loss, marginalisation, mental health, etc.) can be found below: 

Specialist research ethics guidance papers

 

Amendments

Amendments to the original research design are common in any research project. You are only required to submit a new ethics application form if the amendments raise new ethical issues in your research. Undergraduates and postgraduate taught students should consult with their supervisor or personal tutor to decide if a new ethics application is necessary.

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