Empirical Data involving Human Participants
Below are examples whereby Ethical Approval is necessary when generating empirical data involving human participants:
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vulnerable groups for example, children and young people, those with a learning disability or cognitive impairment, or individuals in a dependent or unequal relationship
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sensitive topics – for example participants’ sexual behaviour, their illegal or political behaviour, their experience of violence, their abuse or exploitation, their mental health, or their gender or ethnic status
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research involving groups where permission of a gatekeeper is normally required for initial access to members – for example, ethnic or cultural groups, native peoples or indigenous communities
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research involving deception or which is conducted without participants’ (or participants' legal guardians') full and informed consent at the time the study is carried out
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access to records of personal or confidential information, including genetic or other biological information, concerning identifiable individuals
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research which would induce psychological stress, anxiety or humiliation or cause more than minimal pain
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intrusive interventions – for example, vigorous physical exercise, or techniques such as hypnotherapy.