Research Ethics

Ethical Consent For Human Research

Background

Any Waikato Management school staff and/or students planning to conduct a research project that involves the collecting of data about and from people and/or organizations (including research, evaluation, observation and consulting) will need ethics approval from the School's Human Research Ethics Committee.

Ethical Approval must be gained prior to the commencement of the data collection phase of the research.

This page contains information about the Waikato Management School's processes for Ethical Approval, including the University of Waikato's regulations, links to the appropriate documents; and a description of the procedure to follow.

All Ethics Applications must be submitted to Amanda Sircombe, Research Manager, MSB2.34, ph. 07-838-4376, Email amandas@waikato.ac.nz

Current Ethics Committee Members

Convenor:
Associate Professor Carolyn Costley, Email: ccostley@waikato.ac.nz

• Professor Delwyn Clark
• Dr Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten
• Dr Mary Fitzpatrick
• Professor Stewart Lawrence
• Professor Alison McIntosh
• Professor Frank Scrimgeour
• Dr Mary Simpson

University Regulations and Information

The Waikato Management School follows the University of Waikato's regulations and guidelines on Human Research Ethics Regulations 2008.

Information on these regulations can be found at the following locations:

• http://calendar.waikato.ac.nz/assessment/ethicalConduct.html
• 'Ethical Conduct in Human Research and Related Activities Regulations 2008' on pages 111-121 of the University of Waikato 2009 University Calendar
• 'Student Research Regulations' on pages 109-110 of the University of Waikato 2009 Calendar

Requirements for an Ethics Application within Waikato Management School (for all projects except 499 projects)

Your ethical application should consist of the following documents:
Click on the appropriate link below to access the application documents

• Application cover sheet (word, 432kb)
  This form states that you agree to abide by the University's Ethics Regulations.
• Applying for Research Ethics (word, 260kb)
  This document will guide you in completing your application.
• Outline of Research Project (word, 280kb)
  This gives a detailed description of your intended research project.  It covers research methodology; your intended processes; and how you will guarantee confidentiality.
• A Participant Information Sheet (word, 227kb)
  This is the document you will be giving to your participants to explain your project to them.
• Consent Form (word, 241kb)
  Participants need to read this form and sign it, this shows that they consented that the information they are giving can be used in this study.
• A copy of your interview questions or questionnaire or survey.

All applications must be submitted on the appropriate forms and must be typed or word-processed.

Requirements for a 499 Ethics Application within Waikato Management School

The Waikato Management School has new ethics documentation for students applying for ethics approval for a 499: Report of an Investigation Project.  From the 1st December 2008, all 499 Ethics Applications must be submitted on the new documents.

Please go to the 499 Ethics page for further information and documentation.

Course Applications

WMS Staff can apply for Ethics Approval for undergraduate courses (excluding 499 papers) where as part of the assessment, students have to complete a research project which includes interviewing human subjects.

All Course Application Ethics Approval application must be completed using the specific WMS documentation:

• Course Application Forms (for WMS Staff) (word, 271kb)

Other Useful Documents

• Research Ethics Guidelines (word, 250kb) - short list of what to do
• Red Flags (word, 247kb) - issues to be aware of
• Guidelines for Professional Practice and Community Contact in the Conduct of University Activity
• Common modifications requested

Procedure:-

1. Staff/Student must gain ethics approval from the Waikato Management School's Ethics Committee before they commence collecting data.
2. Staff/Student will need to complete the required Waikato Management School Ethical Application documents, and in the case of a student application, have them approved by their Supervisor.
3. Completed application forms should be submitted to Amanda Sircombe, Research Manager, Room MSB2.34, amandas@waikato.ac.nz 
4. Your application form will be forwarded to a member of the Waikato Management School's Ethics Committee for consideration.
5. Applicants should allow at least two weeks for their application to be reviewed by the WMS Ethics Committee
6. If there are any requests for additional information you will be contacted by either a WMS Ethics Committee Member or by the Research Manager
7. Applications will be returned to the Research Manager, who will notify you whether or not approval has been granted
8. If any modifications are required to your application, these will need to be submitted via the Research Manager
9. Once ethical approval has been granted, a copy of the approved application will be sent to you.
10. Documentation relating to an application for ethical approval will be held on file by the Research Manager 

If you have any queries about the Ethical application process, please contact Amanda Sircombe, Research Manager, Ph.07-838-4376, email: amandas@waikato.ac.nz