Can I contact an organisation before gaining approval?
For some research studies there may be informal, introductory conversations with organisations who you hope will assist you in the collection of data. Always make it clear that you are a student and that you are not qualified to offer the company advice. It should also be made clear that you will only provide feedback from pooled data, never about individuals. Formal letters to ‘gatekeepers’ need to be approved by the Ethics Committee. Beware going too far in discussing your proposed research with organisations before gaining approval for the research from the Ethics Committee. You risk wasting the organisation’s time and looking foolish if the Ethics Committee requires some changes to your procedure that you then have to re-negotiate with the organisation.
