Research Methodology

This question on the ethics application form helps reviewers understand the reason for choosing this particular group of people for your study.

 

If you’re a student, refer to the “Importance of the Study” section in your research proposal. Use the key points from that section to explain why this population is important to your research. Be concise and provide a summary rather than copying and pasting directly.

 

NB: Ethics reviewers will use this section to assess whether your study justifies the time and involvement

The research objectives you provide on your ethics application must match exactly with those in your research proposal, permission request letters, and any communication with participants. Consistency is key. If your research objectives aren’t described the same way across these documents, it could appear as though there’s confusion or a lack of focus, which might raise concerns about the integrity of your study.

Your research objectives should be clearly aligned with the sub-questions that your data explain what you plan to do (e.g., explore, assess, or compare) and what kind of results you expect (e.g., identifying patterns, relationships, or key themes). Well-defined objectives help ethics reviewers understand the purpose of your study and how you intend to achieve it.

In your ethics application, provide details about the locations where you will collect your data, including the geographical location (city, region, country) and the type of place (e.g., school, hospital, community centre, online platform).

The target population is the entire group of people or cases that your research is focused on. It’s the group you want to study and draw conclusions about. Make sure on your ethics application that your target population is clearly defined and directly relevant to your research question or objectives.

Sampling strategy indicates how you will select participants from your target population (e.g., random sampling, stratified sampling, convenience sampling). In your ethics application, you will need to justify why this method is the best choice for your study or specific phase of the study. If you plan to use more than one method, explain why each is necessary.

"Inclusion criteria" refers to that set of characteristics that all participants must exhibit so as to be included in the data collection procedure.

You will be required to describe particular characteristics that are required to be present in participants in the target group (e.g. particular age, cultural derivation, background, physical characteristics, disease status, etc.). Unless there are good reasons for the deception, inclusion criteria must be made available in writing at the point of recruitment. Make sure your inclusion criteria is well-defined, justifiable, and aligned with your study objectives.

 

"Exclusion criteria" refers to that set of characteristics that excludes individuals (i.e. those individuals who have been recruited and have indicated a willingness to participate) from participating.

Unless there are good reasons for the deception, exclusion criteria must be made available in writing at the point of recruitment. Make sure your exclusion criteria is well-defined, justifiable, and aligned with your study objectives.