Outline Process for Research Proposals

Prior to accepting a request from a student wishing to carry out research involving FMA UK members, the following procedures should be carried out:

• Check the subject matter is relevant and appropriate
• Check that it is attached to an ethics committee
• Check to see what they are saying about confidentiality
• Ensure that it is voluntary and not pressured in any way
• Check the survey for the questions and the level of difficulty
• Ask for a report of the results after the survey is completed
• Check whether the personal information gathered will be retained for the purposes of further research
• Check whether the data collected will be used in such a way that you cannot be identified from the study results
• If relevant ask for a follow-up piece for the magazine and / or website.
• Check that it involves no cost to FMA UK or the participants.

Prior to giving personal information:

• Make sure that you know why it is needed
• Ensure you are only asked for what is needed, and not asked for irrelevant information
• That the information given is protected and not made available to anyone who shouldn’t see it
• Make sure that the information is not kept longer than necessary
• Ensure that your personal information is not made available for commercial use

Confidentiality

The FMA UK confidentiality agreement at present does not apply to this situation as it is for people “working with” FMA UK and in particular with FMA UK data or resources.  Individuals taking part in the survey should ensure that the surveyor is going to respect their data and maintain confidentiality.

Last Updated on Saturday, 14 May 2011 10:10 Created: Monday, 21 March 2011 21:43