Research ethics application: a guide for the novice researcher

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research Ethics
• Research Ethics Application Process

Background:

• Internal audit of nursing research ethics applications revealed common reasons for non-approval.
• Novice researchers, including students and experienced nurses, often face challenges with ethics applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assist novice researchers in the research ethics application process.
• To explain the theoretical basis of research ethics application criteria using ethical principles.
• To help researchers avoid common errors and omissions in ethics applications.

Main Methods:

• Applying ethical principles (respect for persons, beneficence, justice) from the Belmont Report to application elements.
• Analyzing common reasons for non-approval identified through an internal audit.
• Providing a structured framework for understanding and completing research ethics applications.

Main Results:

• Identified common errors and omissions in research ethics applications.
• Demonstrated how ethical principles underpin application criteria.
• Provided a framework to assist novice researchers in avoiding common mistakes.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to fundamental ethical principles ensures successful research ethics approval.
• Understanding the theoretical basis of application criteria is crucial for novice researchers.
• This paper serves as a valuable resource for improving research ethics application quality.