Undergraduate / Postgraduate Taught dissertation ethics review checklist
This checklist should be completed by the student (with the advice of the supervisor) for all research projects.

Research Title:  

Student: 

Supervisor: 
	YES	NO	
1.	Will the study involve human participants?			
If you have answered “NO” to question 1, please go to question 15			
2.	Will it be necessary for participants to take part in the study without their knowledge and consent at the time? (e.g. covert observation of people)			
3.	Does the study involve participants who are unable to give informed consent? (e.g. children, people with learning disabilities)			
4.	Does the study involve participants who are commonly viewed as ‘vulnerable’? (e.g. children, elderly, people with learning disabilities)  CRB check needed if YES			
5.	Will the study require the co-operation of a third party for initial access to the groups or individuals? (e.g. students at school, residents of a nursing home)			
6.	Will the study involve discussion of sensitive topics? (e.g. sexual activity, drug use)			
7.	Could the study induce psychological stress or anxiety, cause harm or have negative consequences for the participants beyond the risks encountered in normal life?			
8.	Will deception of participants be necessary during the study?			
9.	Will blood or tissue samples be taken from participants? Are drugs, placebos or other substances (e.g. foods, vitamins) to be administered to the participants or will the study involve invasive, intrusive or potentially harmful procedures of any kind?			
10.	Will the study involve prolonged or repetitive testing or physical testing?			
11.	Is pain or more than mild discomfort likely to result from the study?			
12.	Will financial or other inducements (other than reasonable expenses) be offered to participants?			
13.	Will the study involve recruitment of patients or staff through the NHS?			
14.	Is the right to freely withdraw from the study at any time made explicit?			
15.	Where secondary data is to be used, is the risk of disclosure of the identity of individuals minimal?			
16.	If you are using secondary data, are you obtaining it from anywhere other than recognised data archives?			

Please refer to the School Guidance Notes for completing the Ethics Review Checklist before completing this form. 

If you have answered YES to any of the questions (other than 14 and 15), your research proposal will be referred to the 
Divisional Ethics Group. You will need to submit your plans for addressing the ethical issues raised by your proposal using 
the Research Ethics Application Form, available on the School intranet. 

Please note that it is your responsibility to follow the University of Southampton’s Ethics Policy and any relevant academic or professional guidelines in the conduct of your study. This includes providing appropriate information sheets and consent forms, and ensuring confidentiality in the storage and use of data.

Signature of Student ….………………………………………………….			Date ……………………….….

Signature of Supervisor  ……………………………………………………………..		Date…………………………..