Research Ethics
Approval For Your Research
Contact the Research Ethics Board
If this is the first time that you have visited the site or you have never submitted a project for ethical approval at RDC then you should first acquaint yourself with the REB and the full policy document.
Human Research Ethics Policies
The following forms are used to complete the REB application and review processes:
Word Format
PDF Format
* Download Example Survey Introduction and FOIP Statement
* Information on the use of On-Line Surveys
Application Signature Fax Form
If you prefer to submit your Ethics Approval Application Form electronically or by fax, a faxed signature page is also required. Please complete, sign and fax the following Application Signature Fax Form:
Word Format
PDF Format
Guidebook for the RDC Policy on Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Human Participants
What is meant by 'Research'?
'Research' includes all inquiry involving RDC staff or students
- whether they are acting as researchers or participants in the research process
- whether the research is conducted in person or by some other means such as mail, telephone, or computer link
- or when it involves the review of records not normally available to the public
Class assignments, where students are required to collect and analyze data from human participants, must also obtain ethical clearance. Each student's project does not need to be reviewed by the Research Ethics Board. The assignment is reviewed and the instructor then acts as chief researcher for each student's project.
Course, program, and staff evaluations are not included in this definition of research.
The Research Ethics Board only considers research involving human participants. If anyone is considering animal research they should contact the Office of Strategic Planning and Research.
A useful website to peruse is the Alberta Research Ethics Community Consensus Initiative (ARECCI).
For more information, if links are not working, or to arrange for a Human Research Ethics Workshop please contact: Krista Robson (REB Chair).
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What is the Research Ethics Board?
Research conducted at RDC must adhere to generally accepted ethical principles.
The Research Ethics Board has been formed, at the mandate of the president, to
- Help protect participants and researchers involved in any type of research against any form of psychological or physical abuse
- Advise researchers on the proper construction of survey instruments to ensure that ethical principles are adhered to
All research involving human subjects of or at RDC must obtain ethical clearance prior to commencement of the research.
The REB aims to serve by assisting the individual researcher to identify and solve ethical problems, not by acting as a censor or by imposing limits on academic freedom.
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What are my responsibilities as a researcher?
- You are expected to conduct your research as capably as your knowledge permits.
- You must protect fully the welfare and dignity of participants, as outlined below.
- You are expected to obtain ethical approval for all research done by or using college staff or students.
Continuing Research Ethics Review / Annual Research Ethics Report
RDC Research Ethics Board approved research is subject to continuing research ethics review from the date of initial REB approval throughout the life of the project; continuing research ethics review ensures that all stages of a research project are ethically acceptable in accordance with the principles of the Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Human Participants Policy. Class research activities or projects are exempt from continuing research ethics review.
All researchers will be required to submit an Annual Research Ethics Report, due by the end of the academic year in which the project was started (June 30th); multi-year projects will require the submission of a Report each year for the duration of their project.
The Annual Research Ethics Report will be brief – and will consist of: a brief description of the study; date of completion; summary of the progress of the study; identification of any changes made to the study design since initial application; identification of any unexpected problems or unanticipated issues.
Word Format:
PDF Format:
Brief Summary Of Progress Of Study - this typically includes information on whether the recruitment of participants or data collection is going / has gone according as planned or details on whether the timelines have been met.
Changes Since Initial Ethics Application – any changes to the research design must be reported – for example, any changes made to protocol, consent form, recruitment methods, sample size, participants included or excluded, questionnaire / survey used, etc.
Unexpected Problems Or Adverse Events – normally it is anticipated that research will proceed with little or no special costs or harm to participants, beyond those noted in the original ethics application. However, unanticipated negative reactions by participants or other unexpected events may occur. Researchers are obliged to immediately report, in writing, any known serious adverse event to the REB; failure to do so may result in the Ethics Approval being suspended or revoked.
Unexpected problems or adverse events may include: unexpected reactions by participants to a research intervention [e.g. unintended stimulation of traumatic memories, unforeseen side-effects of a medication or natural health product], as well as unavoidable single incidents [e.g. a translator not available for a day, or failure to follow correct research procedure for one participant on one occasion]. They may be minor in nature or serious in magnitude, with short- or long-term implications
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What are the rights of research participants?
- Informed Consent - Participants understand that their participation is voluntary, that they agree to any specific disclosure that may be required, and that they are fully aware of and consent to any risks that may be involved. Moreover, participants should know that their continued participation is voluntary.
- Confidentiality / Anonymity - The identity of participants is known only to the researchers, and in reporting, participants are not identifiable. Exceptions may be made if participants consent.
- Benefits Of Research Outweigh Risks
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What is the relationship between REB and FOIP?
When any recorded information about an identifiable individual is collected and/or maintained by a member of RDC, certain guidelines must be adhered to, above those specified by the REB Policy. This FOIP (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy) legislation governs all provincial departments, agencies and public bodies.
Further information about FOIP, as well necessary forms, can be obtained from the Human Resources office, 342-3273.
Useful websites, dealing with FOIP, can be found at:
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