Research Ethics Board (REB)

reb@wlu.ca

WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY Waterloo | Brantford | Kitchener | Toronto

What is REB approval? Approval granted to a researcher using

human participants to ensure participants are treated in a fair & ethical manner.

If you are using human participants in a research project, you need REB approval prior to collecting data from the participants.

Why is REB approval even required? Several research projects carried

out in the 1960’s resulted in participant deaths and/or major psychological damage

At that time there was no oversight to regulate the activities of researchers using human participants

REBs were established & guidelines developed to review all research involving humans to ensure safe and ethical treatment of participants used in research

Why is REB approval even required? The Federal Government

provides significant funding to support research at Laurier.

This funding requires that all human research conducted at Laurier receive REB approval

Why is REB approval even required? The REB review

produces higher quality research by identifying and eliminating mistakes and errors before research begins.

Proportional ReviewIncreasing Risk to Participant safety results in a more in-depth review of the research design by the REB and more stringent safeguards to enhance participant safety

Research projects that present low risk to participants receive less scrutiny from the REB and require few safeguards for the participants.

REB Review - Timing It takes approximately 10 working days to

obtain REB approval Approval must be in place prior to

collecting data from your participants REB approval can be granted for as long

as 2 years

REB Review - Applying All new applications, modification requests and

annual reports are submitted directly online. Access to the online system and instructions on

the Research Ethics (Human)webpage (please click here)

As of March 1, 2013 all researchers listed on an REB application will need to complete the online ethics tutorial (1-2 hours).

REB Review - Process REB Chair + 1 REB member will review your

application You will receive comments via email from the

REB Revise your application to address the REB

comments (underline & reference your changes) and resubmit for review.

Approval letter will be issued via email

REB Review – Future Changes You can make minor

changes and modifications to your REB application after you receive approval.

Changes are typically approved within 24 hours

REB Application Tips Answer all questions

on the application with as much detail as possible – incomplete or one word answers usually result in additional follow-up from the REB

Avoid highly technical terminology in describing your research design

Use everyday language and terms to describe your project

REB Application Tips All participants must be

willing volunteers; therefore, you will need a consent or information letter to explain your project to them

Use the template provided at the end of the REB application form

Identify at least one benefit or positive outcome from your research

Offer to provide a summary of your project results to the participants

REB Application Tips - Risks All research presents some

risk to the participants. Identify at least 1 risk to the

participants – even if it is minor (e.g., you may become bored taking the survey).

Outline plans to minimize the identified risks (e.g., you may take a break whenever you need one).

Types of Risks Physical Social Psychological / Emotional Repercussions for (or for

not) participating Is the level of risk greater

than what they would encounter in their everyday lives?

REB Application Tips – Vulnerable Participants

Projects using participants that may be vulnerable will receive greater scrutiny

Additional safeguards maybe required

Vulnerable Participants Diminished decision making

capacity Children (under 16 requires

parental consent) From different cultures or ethnic

groups Captive or dependent on others Research projects taking place

outside of Canada

Application Tips – Privacy & Data Security All participants must

remain unidentified in any reports or presentations.

You may ID a participant only when you have obtained their permission to do so

Participants should have the chance to vet their quotes before you use them

Outline the procedures you will take to protect participant data from unauthorized access

Examples password protect e-data store hard copy data in a

locked cabinet

Questions? Email reb@wlu.ca Call 519-884-0710

(x3131) Visit: Alumni Hall –

Office of Research Services