TMREC-EDU Exemption Code __ __ __
Taught Masters Research Ethics Committee – School of Education
TMREC-EDU
Research Ethics Application Form - Exemption from Review
Please note that in order to complete this form correctly, you will need to read the relevant HREC
Guideline documents – http://www.ucd.ie/researchethics/information_for_researchers/
Please also refer to the TMREC-Education Checklist when completing application.
An electronic copy of this application along with your supporting documentation (e.g. information
sheets, questionnaires, interview schedules, observation schedules, consent forms etc) must be
submitted as one attachment ( a maximum of two) to your supervisor at least five working days in
advance of meeting.
Please put your answers into the boxes provided and do not alter the format of this form.
Please tick boxes by double clicking and then checking.
Part A:
Applicant Details
Name
UCD E-mail:
Telephone:
Masters Programme on which registered
MSc in Childhood Studies
MA in Education
MA in Educational Psychology
MEd
MEd in Special Educational Needs
Research Supervisor(s)
Supervisor(s) Name(s)
Supervisor(s)UCD- email address(s)
(please tick)
TMREC-EDU - Application for Exemption
Have you read
a) the current Guidelines and Policies for Ethical Approval of Research Involving
Human Subjects issued by the UCD HREC?
Yes
No
b) the UCD Data Protection Policy?
Yes
No
Part B:
Research Proposal
Title of the proposed research
Has this topic been studied before?
Yes
No
If yes, why is an additional study needed?
Provide a brief description of research (not more than 200 words in any section)
a) the aims and objectives of the study
Please list (be clear and concise)
b) the research design
Is it quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods?
Please give some details on design e.g. pre-post design, evaluation, survey, interviews, focus
group discussion, action research, grounded theory approach
Provide details of intervention programmes, if applicable
c) the size and composition of sample
If you cannot give a precise number of participants, give an approximate value.
For composition, give details on subgroups.
d) How will participants be selected, approached and recruited?
Please outline the steps involved clearly
If you are contacting people through an organisation such as a school, the first step is to get
the organisation’s permission
Please specify any inclusion or exclusion criteria that will be used.
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e) the proposed starting date of research/study
Data Collection
Methods of data collection
 Standard educational tests
 Standard psychological tests
 Face to face interview
 Telephone/skype Interview
 Focus groups
 Observations
 Questionnaire/Survey
 Electronic survey
 Participant journals
 Data from organisation records*
 Publicly available databases
 Other*
*Please give details
(tick all that apply)
______________________________________
NB Copies of instruments such as questionnaires, interview schedules/topics must be
included in your supporting documentation. In the case of the use of standardised tests,
give appropriate reference for test, evidence of researcher’s qualifications to administer (if
necessary) and author’s permission to use, if applicable (in particular restricted
psychological tests).
Do you intend to use any of the following recording devices as a means of collecting data?
(tick all that apply)
a.
Audio/Sound recorder (tape/cds)
b.
Photography(incl.digital cameras/phones)
c.
Film/Video/DVD recorder
d.
Computer
e.
Other
If Other, please give details ___________________________________
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Ethical Dilemmas
Please identify any ethical dilemma which may arise in the course of the study and indicate
the steps which you will take to control this risk
Use bullet points e.g.
1. ensuring confidentiality of information in focus groups
2. use of incentives for participation
Participants: Risk, Harm,
Please indicate the level of risk for research participants:
High risk
Some risk
Minimal risk
Please indicate the steps that will be taken to control this risk or to address any harm
associated with participation (e.g. debriefing procedures, etc.).
Participants: Consent
Is written consent to be obtained?
Yes
No
Describe how consent will be obtained.
Participants must be fully informed (e.g. on information sheet) prior to giving consent.
If getting written consent, ensure this is kept separate from the data.
If using anonymous questionnaires, include a statement re consent on the cover/inside cover.
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Confidentiality and Data Protection
Please indicate the form in which the data will be collected?
Identified
Potentially Identifiable
De-Identified
Anonymised
Please indicate the form in which the data will be stored?
Identified
Potentially Identifiable
De-Identified
Anonymised
Please, describe the procedure for storage of data
Location?
Period of storage? Note you will need to keep your data until after the award of your masters.
How will data will be destroyed (e.g. shredding, incineration)?
Have participants been informed (e.g. on information sheet) how findings will be reported
in thesis, publications, presentations?
Yes
No
Ethical Approval from other Body
Has this proposal received Ethical Approval from another body?
(e.g. Hospital REC )
Yes, all sections
Yes, some sections
No
If Yes give details below
Name of the organisation that has approved the study: ______________
Approval No: _______________
Approval Date: ______________
If not all sections have been approved by this body, please provide a brief account of aspects
not covered:
Please provide a copy of the approval in your supporting documentation
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Steps:
1. After your supervisor has approved your application form, please forward your
revised document to the UCD Safety Officer safety@ucd.ie to seek insurance cover
for your study
2. Once you have received your Insurance Certificate, please submit a signed hard copy
of this application along with your certificate and supporting documentation to the
TMREC, School of Education Office in a sealed envelope.
3. Do not commence your research until you have submitted your signed copy to the
Education Office.
Signed Declaration
I apply for Approval for Exemption from review of the research protocol summarised above.
Signature of Applicant:
Date:
I have read the above application, and am satisfied that the study appears to meet all requirements for a Grant of Ethical
Approval with Exemption from Review from UCD HREC.
Signature of Supervisor
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Date: