Do institutional surveys require review by the Research Ethics Board?
It depends. A survey is considered to be an “institutional survey” when one is trying to obtain information about institutions or organizations by surveying one or more of its representatives. If the survey is used to collect only factual information that is publicly available, then an ethics review MAY not be necessary. If the survey includes any questions asking for opinions or interpretation by the participant, then ethical review is required. If you have any doubt about whether your project requires ethical review, please submit a preliminary application to the Research Ethics Board for assessment using the Online Ethics Protocol Submission and Review System.
Related Questions
- Are we to assume that the usual Institutional Review Board issues apply to this research? Will USAID require IRB-like approval from the foreign country government?
- Should all community engagement, for research, or service, or technical assistance, require an ethics review?
- Do institutional surveys require review by the Research Ethics Board?
