Scope
Note: This Procedure is consistent with the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (“TCPS 2 (2022)”), Chapter 10 – Qualitative Research.
This procedure forms part of JIBC’s Research Involving Human Participants Ethics Policy (the “Policy”) and should be followed and applied in relation to the free and informed consent of participants in research at JIBC under the Policy. Terms not otherwise defined in this procedure are as defined in the Policy.
Purpose
This procedure provides guidance on some issues that are particularly relevant to qualitative research. In particular, it addresses issues of consent, privacy and confidentiality that may have unique manifestations in qualitative research.
Procedural Guiding Principles
Timing of the Research Ethics Board Review (TCPS 2 (2022), Chapter 10, Article 10.1)
Researchers shall submit their research proposals, including proposals for pilot studies, for Research Ethics Board (“REB”) review and approval of their ethical acceptability prior to the start of recruitment of participants, data collection or access to data. REB review is not required for the initial exploratory phase (often involving contact with individuals or communities) intended to discuss the feasibility of the research, establish research partnerships, or the design of a research proposal.
Modalities of Expression of Consent (TCPS 2 (2022), Chapter 10, Article 10.2)
Researchers shall explain in their research design the proposed procedures for seeking consent and the strategies they plan to use for documenting consent.
Observational Studies (TCPS 2 (2022), Chapter 10, Article 10.3)
In research involving observation of human acts or behaviours in natural environments or virtual settings where people have a reasonable or limited expectation of privacy, the researcher shall explain the need for an exception to the general requirement for consent. The REB may approve research without requiring that the researcher obtain consent from individuals being observed on the basis of the justification provided by the researcher and appropriate privacy protection.
Privacy and Confidentiality in the Dissemination of Research Results (TCPS 2 (2022), Chapter 10, Article 10.4)
In some research contexts, the researcher may plan to disclose the identity of participants. In such projects, researchers shall discuss with prospective participants or participants whether they wish to have their identity disclosed in publications or other means of dissemination. Where participants consent to have their identity disclosed, researchers shall record each participant’s consent in agreement with JIBC Procedure 3404-008 Privacy and Confidentiality.
Qualitative Research Involving Emergent Design (TCPS 2 (2022), Chapter 10, Article 10.5)
In studies using emergent design in data collection, researchers shall provide the REB with all the available information to assist in the review and approval of the general procedure for data collection.
Researchers shall consult with the REB when, during the conduct of the research, changes to the data collection procedures may present ethical implications and associated risks to the participants.
Related Policies and Procedures
- 3404 Research Involving Human Participants Ethics Policy
- 3404-008 Privacy and Confidentiality Procedure