Ethics in research
All research by Concordians is subject to procedures and policies. Learn when an ethics review is required and how to apply for one.
What is an ethics review?
All research by members of the Concordia community, wherever it takes place, is subject to established University procedures regarding ethics, as well as the policies contained in the Tri-council Policy Statement (TCPS).
An ethics review ensures the research is undertaken in accordance with the rights of the participants and the obligations of the researcher. It is not a review of the scholarly merit of the research project, but rather of the protection of the participants in the project.
Oral history
Applications involving oral history interviews must include a project proposal, interview guide, and consent form. Find models specific to oral history interviewing on the Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling site under Ethics.
The History Department Ethics Committee (HDEC), currently headed by Dr. Erica Lehrer, and the Office of Research (OoR) can answer questions about ethics requirements and how to complete your application.
Terminology
'Beyond minimal risk'
‘Minimal risk’ research is defined as research in which the probability and magnitude of possible harms implied by participation in the research is no greater than those encountered by participants in those aspects of their everyday life that relate to the research.
Confidentiality versus anonymity
Confidentiality means that the participant’s identity is known to the researcher, but will not be disclosed. In most cases in history research, this is what participants will be offered (if they do not consent to have their identity divulged). In a face-to-face oral history interview, the researcher will obviously know the identity of the participant.
Anonymity means the researcher does not know the identity of the participant. This applies mainly to anonymous surveys, where data arrive without any identifying information.
Scope
Research outside Quebec and outside Canada
In addition to Concordia ethics approval, in some cases research conducted outside Quebec or outside Canada requires approval by a research ethics board in the place where the research will take place. Researchers should also be aware that their activities are subject to the legal requirements of the place they are going to, which may differ significantly from those in Quebec. Questions about these issues should be addressed to the HDEC or OoR.
Research that evolves during the project (“emergent design”)
Much historical research involves questions that evolve during the research itself, which presents particular issues for the application process, and often requires ongoing consultation with the appropriate ethics committee. See TCPS Article 10.5 for more information.
Indigenous considerations
If your research connects with Indigenous communities, Indigenous Directions offers the Dewemaagannag / My Relations Indigenous engagement guide. They also relevant training sessions on occasion.
Submitting your application
Applications should be made electonically where possible. The recipient of your submission depends on the nature of your work.
This includes PhD and MA theses, Honours theses, faculty research.
- Applications are submitted to OoR.
- Projects not ‘beyond minimal risk’ will be reviewed by an accelerated process.
- Projects exceeding minimal risk will undergo full review by the university Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC).
Applies to coursework of all faculty and students.
Applications are made through the HDEC.
Graduate students
Applications must include:
- a completed and signed “Summary Protocol Form”
- a consent form
- a project description, and
- any other material that will help the committee evaluate the application (e.g. interview guides, approvals from organizations being researched).
Undergraduate students
Applications must include:
- a completed and signed “Abbreviated Summary Protocol Form”
- a consent form, and
- a brief project description.
Faculty members
Teaching activities involving oral history.
Course assignments that do not exceed minimal risk can be pre-approved by the HDEC. The application must include:
- a Summary Protocol Form
- a model consent form (which students will then adapt to their specific projects), and
- the course outline including a description of the assignment.
