Have you ever found yourself needing to request ethical approval for a research project, but weren’t quite sure how to craft the perfect letter?
Seeking ethical approval is a crucial step in many research endeavors, ensuring that your study adheres to important ethical guidelines and principles.
But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll walk you through 15 sample letters for requesting ethical approval, providing you with templates and guidance to help you navigate this important process with confidence and clarity.
Sample Letters of Ethical Approval Request
Before we dive into the sample letters, let’s set the stage.
When requesting ethical approval, your letter should be professional, concise, and informative.
Be sure to include relevant details about your study, such as its purpose, methodology, and any potential risks or benefits to participants.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at our first sample letter:
Letter 1: Ethical Approval Request for a Psychological Study
Subject: Request for Ethical Approval – Psychological Study on Stress and Coping Mechanisms
Dear Ethics Committee,
I am writing to request ethical approval for a psychological study titled “Stress and Coping Mechanisms Among College Students.” This study aims to investigate the prevalence of stress among college students and explore the various coping strategies they employ to manage stress.
The study will involve a sample of 200 undergraduate students, who will be recruited through campus flyers and email announcements. Participants will complete an online survey consisting of demographic questions, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Brief COPE inventory. The survey is expected to take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
Participation in the study is voluntary, and participants will be provided with an informed consent form outlining the study’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits. Participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty. All data collected will be kept confidential and anonymized, with access restricted to the research team.
The study poses minimal risk to participants, as it involves completing a non-invasive survey. However, some participants may experience mild discomfort or emotional distress when reflecting on their stress levels and coping strategies. To mitigate this risk, participants will be provided with resources for mental health support and counseling services on campus.
The findings of this study have the potential to contribute to our understanding of stress and coping among college students, informing future interventions and support services. The study has been designed by the ethical guidelines set forth by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the university’s institutional review board (IRB).
Please find attached the complete research proposal, including the study protocol, informed consent form, and survey measures. If you require any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Institution]
Letter 2: Ethical Approval Request for a Medical Research Study
Subject: Request for Ethical Approval – Medical Research Study on the Efficacy of a New Drug
Dear Ethics Committee,
I am writing to request ethical approval for a medical research study titled “Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Drug X in the Treatment of Hypertension.” This study aims to assess the effectiveness and potential side effects of a newly developed antihypertensive medication, Drug X, compared to a standard treatment.
The study will be a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 500 patients diagnosed with stage 1 or stage 2 hypertension. Patients will be recruited from multiple primary care clinics and hospitals in the region. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Drug X or a placebo for 12 weeks, with regular monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and adverse events.
Participation in the study is voluntary, and patients will be provided with a detailed informed consent form explaining the study’s purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits. Patients will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without any impact on their standard care. All personal and medical information collected will be kept strictly confidential and stored securely, with access limited to the research team.
The potential risks associated with the study include the possible side effects of Drug X, such as dizziness, headache, or gastrointestinal discomfort. To minimize these risks, patients will be closely monitored, and any adverse events will be promptly addressed by the research team and collaborating physicians. The study will adhere to the safety guidelines and stopping rules outlined in the protocol.
The findings of this study have the potential to advance the treatment of hypertension and improve patient outcomes. The study has been designed in compliance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP).
Please find attached the complete research proposal, including the study protocol, informed consent form, and investigator brochures. If you require any further information or have any queries, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Institution]
Letter 3: Ethical Approval Request for an Educational Research Study
Subject: Request for Ethical Approval – Educational Research Study on the Impact of Flipped Classroom Model
Dear Ethics Committee,
I am writing to request ethical approval for an educational research study titled “Evaluating the Impact of the Flipped Classroom Model on Student Engagement and Academic Performance.” This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the flipped classroom approach in enhancing student learning outcomes and engagement compared to traditional lecture-based instruction.
The study will involve a quasi-experimental design, with two intact classes of undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory psychology course. One class will serve as the experimental group, experiencing the flipped classroom model, while the other class will serve as the control group, receiving traditional lectures. The study will span one academic semester.
Data will be collected through pre- and post-course assessments, student surveys, classroom observations, and focus group interviews. Participation in the study is voluntary, and students will be provided with an informed consent form detailing the study’s purpose, procedures, and potential benefits and risks. Students will have the right to opt out of the study at any time without any impact on their course grade or academic standing.
All data collected will be kept confidential and anonymized, with access restricted to the research team. The study poses minimal risk to participants, as it involves standard educational practices and non-invasive data collection methods. However, some students may experience mild stress or discomfort when completing assessments or participating in focus group interviews. To address this, participants will be informed of their right to skip any questions or withdraw from the study at any time.
The findings of this study have the potential to inform educational practice and contribute to the growing body of research on innovative teaching methods. The study has been designed by the ethical guidelines of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the university’s institutional review board (IRB).
Please find attached the complete research proposal, including the study protocol, informed consent form, and data collection instruments. If you require any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Institution]
Letter 4: Ethical Approval Request for a Sociological Study
Subject: Request for Ethical Approval – Sociological Study on the Impact of Social Media on Interpersonal Relationships
Dear Ethics Committee,
I am writing to request ethical approval for a sociological study titled “Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Interpersonal Relationships Among Young Adults.” This study aims to investigate how social media use affects the quality and dynamics of interpersonal relationships among individuals aged 18-30.
The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining an online survey with in-depth interviews. A sample of 500 young adults will be recruited through social media platforms and online forums. Participants will complete a survey assessing their social media use, relationship satisfaction, and communication patterns. A subsample of 20 participants will be selected for semi-structured interviews to gain deeper insights into their experiences and perceptions.
Participation in the study is voluntary, and participants will be provided with an informed consent form outlining the study’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits. Participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without consequences. All data collected will be kept confidential and anonymized, with access limited to the research team.
The study poses minimal risk to participants, as it involves non-invasive data collection methods. However, some participants may experience discomfort or emotional distress when discussing sensitive topics related to their relationships. To mitigate this risk, participants will be provided with resources for counseling and support services.
The findings of this study have the potential to contribute to our understanding of the social implications of technology and inform strategies for promoting healthy relationships in the digital age. The study has been designed by the ethical guidelines of the American Sociological Association (ASA) and the university’s institutional review board (IRB).
Please find attached the complete research proposal, including the study protocol, informed consent form, and data collection instruments. If you require any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Institution]
Letter 5: Ethical Approval Request for an Anthropological Study
Subject: Request for Ethical Approval – Anthropological Study on Traditional Healing Practices
Dear Ethics Committee,
I am writing to request ethical approval for an anthropological study titled “Exploring Traditional Healing Practices Among the [Community Name] in [Country].” This study aims to investigate the cultural significance, knowledge transmission, and efficacy of traditional healing practices within the [Community Name] community.
The study will involve ethnographic fieldwork, including participant observation, interviews, and focus group discussions. A sample of 30 traditional healers and 50 community members will be recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Participants will be observed in their natural settings and interviewed about their experiences, beliefs, and practices related to traditional healing.
Participation in the study is voluntary, and participants will be provided with an informed consent form in their local language, outlining the study’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits. Participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without repercussions. All data collected will be kept confidential and anonymized, with access restricted to the research team.
The study poses minimal risk to participants, as it involves non-invasive data collection methods. However, some participants may experience discomfort or cultural sensitivity when discussing traditional healing practices. To mitigate this risk, the researcher will work closely with community leaders and follow culturally appropriate protocols.
The findings of this study have the potential to contribute to the preservation and understanding of traditional knowledge systems and inform culturally sensitive healthcare interventions. The study has been designed by the ethical guidelines of the American Anthropological Association (AAA) and the university’s institutional review board (IRB).
Please find attached the complete research proposal, including the study protocol, informed consent form, and data collection instruments. If you require any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Institution]
Letter 6: Ethical Approval Request for a Public Health Study
Subject: Request for Ethical Approval – Public Health Study on the Effectiveness of a Community-Based Health Intervention
Dear Ethics Committee,
I am writing to request ethical approval for a public health study titled “Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Community-Based Health Intervention for Promoting Healthy Lifestyles.” This study aims to assess the impact of a multi-component health intervention on the health behaviors and outcomes of residents in a low-income urban community.
The study will employ a quasi-experimental design, with the intervention community and a matched control community. The intervention will consist of health education workshops, community health events, and the establishment of a community health center. A sample of 500 residents from each community will be recruited through community outreach and invited to participate in the study.
Data will be collected through baseline and follow-up surveys, health screenings, and focus group discussions. Participation in the study is voluntary, and participants will be provided with an informed consent form detailing the study’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits. Participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences.
All data collected will be kept confidential and anonymized, with access restricted to the research team. The study poses minimal risk to participants, as it involves standard health promotion activities and non-invasive data collection methods. However, some participants may experience mild discomfort during health screenings or when discussing sensitive health topics. To address this, trained health professionals will conduct the screenings, and referrals to appropriate health services will be provided as needed.
The findings of this study have the potential to inform the development and implementation of effective community-based health interventions and contribute to the reduction of health disparities. The study has been designed by the ethical guidelines of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the university’s institutional review board (IRB).
Please find attached the complete research proposal, including the study protocol, informed consent form, and data collection instruments. If you require any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Institution]
Letter 7: Ethical Approval Request for a Nursing Study
Subject: Request for Ethical Approval – Nursing Study on the Impact of a Patient Education Program
Dear Ethics Committee,
I am writing to request ethical approval for a nursing study titled “Evaluating the Impact of a Patient Education Program on Medication Adherence and Self-Management Among Chronic Disease Patients.” This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a nurse-led patient education program in improving medication adherence and self-management skills among patients with chronic conditions.
The study will employ a randomized controlled trial design, with patients randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group will receive the patient education program, consisting of individualized counseling sessions, educational materials, and follow-up phone calls. The control group will receive standard care.
A sample of 100 patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, will be recruited from a primary care clinic. Data will be collected through self-reported questionnaires, medication adherence assessments, and electronic medical records. Participation in the study is voluntary, and patients will be provided with an informed consent form explaining the study’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits. Patients will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without any impact on their care.
All data collected will be kept confidential and securely stored, with access limited to the research team. The study poses minimal risk to participants, as it involves standard patient education activities and non-invasive data collection methods. However, some patients may experience mild inconvenience or discomfort when completing questionnaires or attending counseling sessions. To mitigate this, the researcher will work closely with the clinic staff to minimize disruptions to patient care and provide a comfortable environment for study activities.
The findings of this study have the potential to inform the development of effective patient education strategies and improve health outcomes for patients with chronic conditions. The study has been designed by the ethical guidelines of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the university’s institutional review board (IRB).
Please find attached the complete research proposal, including the study protocol, informed consent form, and data collection instruments. If you require any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Institution]
Letter 8: Ethical Approval Request for an Environmental Science Study
Subject: Request for Ethical Approval – Environmental Science Study on the Impact of a Community-Based Conservation Program
Dear Ethics Committee,
I am writing to request ethical approval for an environmental science study titled “Assessing the Impact of a Community-Based Conservation Program on Biodiversity and Local Livelihoods.” This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based conservation program in promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods in a rural community.
The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining ecological surveys, household surveys, and participatory workshops. The ecological surveys will assess changes in biodiversity indicators, such as species richness and abundance, in the conservation areas. The household surveys will collect data on livelihood activities, natural resource use, and attitudes towards conservation. The participatory workshops will engage community members in discussions and mapping exercises to identify conservation priorities and livelihood needs.
A sample of 50 households will be selected through stratified random sampling, and all community members will be invited to participate in the workshops. Participation in the study is voluntary, and participants will be provided with an informed consent form in their local language, outlining the study’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits. Participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without consequences.
All data collected will be kept confidential and anonymized, with access restricted to the research team. The study poses minimal risk to participants, as it involves non-invasive data collection methods and participatory activities. However, some participants may experience discomfort or inconvenience when participating in surveys or workshops. To mitigate this, the researcher will work closely with community leaders to ensure that study activities are scheduled at convenient times and locations and that participants are compensated for their time and effort.
The findings of this study have the potential to inform the design and implementation of effective community-based conservation programs and contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources. The study has been designed by the ethical guidelines of the Ecological Society of America (ESA) and the university’s institutional review board (IRB).
Please find attached the complete research proposal, including the study protocol, informed consent form, and data collection instruments. If you require any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Institution]
Letter 9: Ethical Approval Request for a Social Work Study
Subject: Request for Ethical Approval – Social Work Study on the Experiences of Foster Care Youth
Dear Ethics Committee,
I am writing to request ethical approval for a social work study titled “Exploring the Experiences and Perspectives of Foster Care Youth: A Qualitative Study.” This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences, challenges, and aspirations of youth in the foster care system.
The study will employ a qualitative research design, using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. A purposive sample of 20 foster care youth, aged 16-21, will be recruited through local foster care agencies and youth organizations. Participants will be interviewed about their experiences in foster care, their relationships with caregivers and peers, and their plans for the future.
Participation in the study is voluntary, and youth will be provided with an informed consent form, written in age-appropriate language, explaining the study’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits. For youth under 18, informed consent will also be obtained from their legal guardians. Participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences.
All data collected will be kept confidential and securely stored, with access limited to the research team. The study poses minimal risk to participants, as it involves non-invasive data collection methods and discussions of personal experiences. However, some youth may experience emotional discomfort when discussing sensitive topics related to their foster care experiences. To address this, the researcher will provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment, and referrals to appropriate counseling services will be made available.
The findings of this study have the potential to inform the development of policies and practices that better support the well-being and success of foster care youth. The study has been designed by the ethical guidelines of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the university’s institutional review board (IRB).
Please find attached the complete research proposal, including the study protocol, informed consent form, and interview guides. If you require any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position] ][Your Institution]
Letter 10: Ethical Approval Request for a Marketing Study
Subject: Request for Ethical Approval – Marketing Study on Consumer Attitudes Towards Eco-Friendly Products
Dear Ethics Committee,
I am writing to request ethical approval for a marketing study titled “Investigating Consumer Attitudes and Purchase Intentions Towards Eco-Friendly Products.” This study aims to examine the factors influencing consumers’ attitudes and willingness to purchase environmentally friendly products.
The study will employ a survey research design, using an online questionnaire. A sample of 500 adult consumers will be recruited through a market research panel. Participants will be asked about their environmental concerns, perceived benefits and barriers to purchasing eco-friendly products, and their intentions to buy such products in the future.
Participation in the study is voluntary, and participants will be provided with an informed consent form at the beginning of the online survey, outlining the study’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits. Participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time by closing the survey browser.
All data collected will be kept confidential and anonymized, with access restricted to the research team. The study poses minimal risk to participants, as it involves a standard online survey with no sensitive or personal questions. However, some participants may experience mild inconvenience or fatigue when completing the survey. To mitigate this, the survey will be designed to be concise and user-friendly, with clear instructions and progress indicators.
The findings of this study have the potential to inform the development of effective marketing strategies for promoting eco-friendly products and contribute to sustainable consumption practices. The study has been designed by the ethical guidelines of the American Marketing Association (AMA) and the university’s institutional review board (IRB).
Please find attached the complete research proposal, including the study protocol, informed consent form, and survey questionnaire. If you require any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Institution]
Letter 11: Ethical Approval Request for a Criminology Study
Subject: Request for Ethical Approval – Criminology Study on the Reentry Experiences of Former Prisoners
Dear Ethics Committee,
I am writing to request ethical approval for a criminology study titled “Exploring the Reentry Experiences and Challenges of Former Prisoners: A Qualitative Study.” This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences, barriers, and support needs of individuals transitioning from prison back into the community.
The study will employ a qualitative research design, using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. A purposive sample of 30 former prisoners, who have been released within the past year, will be recruited through community-based reentry programs and social service agencies. Participants will be interviewed about their experiences during incarceration, the challenges they face upon release, and their perceptions of available support services.
Participation in the study is voluntary, and participants will be provided with an informed consent form, explaining the study’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits. Participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences. All data collected will be kept confidential and securely stored, with access limited to the research team.
The study poses minimal risk to participants, as it involves non-invasive data collection methods and discussions of personal experiences. However, some participants may experience emotional discomfort when discussing sensitive topics related to their criminal history or reentry challenges. To address this, the researcher will provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment, and referrals to appropriate counseling and support services will be made available.
The findings of this study have the potential to inform the development of policies and programs that better support the successful reintegration of former prisoners and reduce recidivism. The study has been designed by the ethical guidelines of the American Society of Criminology (ASC) and the university’s institutional review board (IRB).
Please find attached the complete research proposal, including the study protocol, informed consent form, and interview guides. If you require any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Institution]
Letter 12: Ethical Approval Request for a Communication Study
Subject: Request for Ethical Approval – Communication Study on the Impact of Social Media on Political Discourse
Dear Ethics Committee,
I am writing to request ethical approval for a communication study titled “Examining the Impact of Social Media on Political Discourse and Polarization.” This study aims to investigate how social media use influences individuals’ exposure to diverse political viewpoints and their engagement in civil political discussions.
The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining an online survey and content analysis of social media data. A sample of 1,000 adult social media users will be recruited through online advertisements and invited to participate in the survey. Participants will be asked about their social media habits, exposure to political content, and perceptions of political polarization. In addition, a sample of 10,000 social media posts related to a specific political issue will be collected and analyzed for sentiment, ideological diversity, and user interactions.
Participation in the survey is voluntary, and participants will be provided with an informed consent form at the beginning of the online survey, outlining the study’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits. Participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time by closing the survey browser. All survey data collected will be kept confidential and anonymized, with access restricted to the research team.
The social media data will be collected using the platforms’ public APIs and will not include any personally identifiable information. The data will be securely stored and analyzed in aggregate form to protect user privacy. The study poses minimal risk to participants, as it involves a standard online survey and the analysis of publicly available social media data. However, some participants may experience mild discomfort when answering questions about their political views or exposure to conflicting opinions.
The findings of this study have the potential to inform the design of social media platforms and the development of strategies for promoting healthy political discourse online. The study has been designed by the ethical guidelines of the International Communication Association (ICA) and the university’s institutional review board (IRB).
Please find attached the complete research proposal, including the study protocol, informed consent form, survey questionnaire, and data collection and analysis plan. If you require any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Institution]
Letter 13: Ethical Approval Request for an Urban Planning Study
Subject: Request for Ethical Approval – Urban Planning Study on the Impacts of Gentrification on Low-Income Communities
Dear Ethics Committee,
I am writing to request ethical approval for an urban planning study titled “Investigating the Impacts of Gentrification on Low-Income Communities: A Case Study of [City Name].” This study aims to examine the social, economic, and spatial consequences of gentrification processes on low-income residents in a rapidly changing urban neighborhood.
The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining secondary data analysis, household surveys, and in-depth interviews. Secondary data on demographic changes, housing prices, and business activities in the selected neighborhood will be collected from public sources. A sample of 100 low-income households will be randomly selected and invited to participate in a survey about their housing conditions, displacement experiences, and perceptions of neighborhood change. In addition, 20 key informants, including community leaders, local business owners, and city officials, will be purposively selected for in-depth interviews.
Participation in the study is voluntary, and participants will be provided with an informed consent form, explaining the study’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits. Participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences. All data collected will be kept confidential and securely stored, with access limited to the research team.
The study poses minimal risk to participants, as it involves non-invasive data collection methods and discussions of community experiences. However, some participants may experience emotional discomfort when discussing sensitive topics related to housing insecurity, displacement, or neighborhood change. To address this, the researcher will provide a supportive and respectful environment, and referrals to appropriate community resources and services will be made available.
The findings of this study have the potential to inform the development of equitable urban policies and programs that prioritize the needs and well-being of low-income communities in the face of gentrification pressures. The study has been designed by the ethical guidelines of the American Planning Association (APA) and the university’s institutional review board (IRB).
Please find attached the complete research proposal, including the study protocol, informed consent form, survey questionnaire, and interview guides. If you require any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Institution]
Letter 14: Ethical Approval Request for an Information Science Study
Subject: Request for Ethical Approval – Information Science Study on the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Dear Ethics Committee,
I am writing to request ethical approval for an information science study titled “Examining the Adoption and Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Settings.” This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of AI technologies in healthcare organizations and explore the ethical challenges and considerations associated with their implementation.
The study will employ a qualitative research design, using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with healthcare professionals and AI experts. A purposive sample of 30 participants, including physicians, nurses, hospital administrators, and AI researchers, will be recruited through professional networks and snowball sampling. Participants will be interviewed about their experiences with AI in healthcare, perceived benefits and risks, and ethical concerns related to patient privacy, autonomy, and fairness.
Participation in the study is voluntary, and participants will be provided with an informed consent form, explaining the study’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits. Participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences. All data collected will be kept confidential and securely stored, with access limited to the research team.
The study poses minimal risk to participants, as it involves non-invasive data collection methods and discussions of professional experiences and opinions. However, some participants may experience mild discomfort when discussing sensitive topics related to patient care or ethical dilemmas. To address this, the researcher will provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment and ensure that participants’ privacy and confidentiality are protected.
The findings of this study have the potential to inform the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies in healthcare, taking into account the ethical implications and the perspectives of key stakeholders. The study has been designed by the ethical guidelines of the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) and the university’s institutional review board (IRB).
Please find attached the complete research proposal, including the study protocol, informed consent form, and interview guides. If you require any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Institution]
Letter 15: Ethical Approval Request for a Business Study
Subject: Request for Ethical Approval – Business Study on the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Consumer Behavior
Dear Ethics Committee,
I am writing to request ethical approval for a business study titled “Investigating the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Consumer Behavior and Brand Loyalty.” This study aims to examine how consumers perceive and respond to companies’ socially responsible practices and how these perceptions influence their purchasing decisions and brand loyalty.
The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining an online survey and semi-structured interviews. A sample of 500 adult consumers will be recruited through a market research panel and invited to participate in the survey. Participants will be asked about their awareness of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, their attitudes towards socially responsible companies, and their past purchasing behavior. In addition, 20 participants will be purposively selected for follow-up interviews to gain deeper insights into their motivations and experiences related to CSR and consumer behavior.
Participation in the study is voluntary, and participants will be provided with an informed consent form at the beginning of the online survey and prior to the interviews, outlining the study’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits. Participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time by closing the survey browser or ending the interview. All data collected will be kept confidential and anonymized, with access restricted to the research team.
The study poses minimal risk to participants, as it involves a standard online survey and interviews about consumer perceptions and behavior. However, some participants may experience mild inconvenience or fatigue when completing the survey or participating in the interviews. To mitigate this, the survey will be designed to be concise and user-friendly, and interviews will be scheduled at the participants’ convenience.
The findings of this study have the potential to inform the development of effective CSR strategies and communication practices that align with consumer expectations and values. The study has been designed by the ethical guidelines of the Academy of Management (AOM) and the university’s institutional review board (IRB).
Please find attached the complete research proposal, including the study protocol, informed consent form, survey questionnaire, and interview guide. If you require any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Institution]
Wrapping Up: Navigating the Ethics Approval Process
Requesting ethical approval is an essential step in conducting responsible and rigorous research.
By crafting a well-written and comprehensive letter, you demonstrate your commitment to upholding ethical standards and protecting the rights and well-being of your study participants.
Remember to tailor your letter to the specific requirements and guidelines of your institution or funding agency, and be sure to include all relevant details about your study design, methodology, and ethical considerations.
With these sample letters as a guide, you’re well on your way to successfully navigating the ethics approval process and conducting meaningful, ethical research that contributes to your field and benefits society as a whole.