Certainly! Writing research ethics and positionality statements is crucial for ensuring transparency, integrity, and accountability in your research. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you describe how ethical approval was obtained:

Research Ethics Statement

• Introduction:


• Briefly introduce the importance of ethical considerations in your research.


• Mention the ethical guidelines or frameworks you followed (e.g., institutional guidelines, national regulations, international standards).


• Ethical Approval Process:


• Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Ethics Committee:


• Specify the name of the IRB or ethics committee that reviewed your research proposal.


• Describe the submission process, including the documents submitted (e.g., research protocol, consent forms, participant information sheets).


• Approval Date:


• Mention the date when ethical approval was granted.


• Approval Number:


• Provide the approval number or reference code if applicable.


• Informed Consent:


• Explain how informed consent was obtained from participants.


• Describe the consent process, including the information provided to participants and how consent was documented (e.g., written consent forms, verbal consent with audio recording).


• Confidentiality and Data Protection:


• Outline the measures taken to ensure the confidentiality and protection of participant data.


• Mention any data encryption, anonymization, or secure storage methods used.


• Risk Management:


• Discuss any potential risks to participants and how these were mitigated.


• Explain the procedures for handling adverse events or participant distress.


• Ethical Considerations During Research:


• Describe any ethical considerations that arose during the research process and how they were addressed.


• Mention any ethical dilemmas and the decisions made to resolve them.


• Conclusion:


• Summarize the ethical approval process and reiterate the commitment to ethical standards throughout the research.

Example:

Research Ethics Statement

Ethical considerations are paramount in ensuring the integrity and validity of this research. The study adhered to the ethical guidelines set forth by [Institution Name] and the [National/International Ethical Guidelines].

Ethical approval was obtained from the [Institutional Review Board/Ethics Committee Name] at [Institution Name]. The research proposal, including the protocol, consent forms, and participant information sheets, was submitted for review. The approval was granted on [Date], with the approval number [Approval Number].

Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Each participant was provided with a detailed information sheet and a consent form. Written consent was obtained, and participants were assured of their right to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty.

Confidentiality and data protection were ensured through the use of anonymized data and secure storage methods. All data were encrypted and stored in a secure, password-protected database.

Potential risks to participants were identified and mitigated through careful planning and risk management strategies. Procedures were in place to handle any adverse events or participant distress, ensuring the well-being of all participants.

Throughout the research process, ethical considerations were continuously monitored and addressed. Any ethical dilemmas were resolved through consultation with the ethics committee and adherence to ethical guidelines.

In conclusion, the ethical approval process was rigorous and comprehensive, ensuring that the research was conducted with the highest ethical standards.

Positionality Statement

A positionality statement reflects your personal background, biases, and how these might influence your research. Here’s a guide to writing a positionality statement:

• Introduction:


• Explain the importance of positionality in research.


• Mention how your personal background and experiences might influence your research.


• Personal Background:


• Describe your personal background, including relevant demographic information (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status).


• Discuss your educational and professional background.


• Biases and Assumptions:


• Identify any biases or assumptions you might have that could influence your research.


• Explain how you plan to mitigate these biases.


• Relationship with Participants:


• Describe your relationship with the research participants.


• Discuss any power dynamics and how you plan to address them.


• Reflexivity:


• Explain how you will practice reflexivity throughout the research process.


• Describe any methods you will use to reflect on your positionality and its impact on the research.


• Conclusion:


• Summarize your positionality statement and reiterate your commitment to ethical and unbiased research.

Example:

Positionality Statement

Positionality is a critical aspect of research, as it acknowledges the researcher's personal background and how it might influence the research process. As a researcher, my personal background and experiences inevitably shape my perspectives and interpretations.

I am a [Your Age]-year-old [Your Gender] of [Your Ethnicity] descent, born and raised in [Your Location]. I have a [Your Educational Background] and have worked in [Your Professional Background]. These experiences have shaped my worldview and influenced my approach to research.

I recognize that I may have biases and assumptions that could affect my research. For example, [Describe a specific bias or assumption]. To mitigate these biases, I will [Describe the methods you will use to address these biases, such as peer review, reflexive journaling, or participant feedback].

My relationship with the research participants is [Describe your relationship, e.g., as an outsider, insider, or somewhere in between]. I am aware of the power dynamics that may exist and will strive to create an equitable and respectful research environment.

Throughout the research process, I will practice reflexivity by [Describe your methods for reflexivity, such as keeping a reflexive journal, discussing with peers, or seeking feedback from participants]. This will help me to continuously reflect on my positionality and its impact on the research.

In conclusion, acknowledging and addressing my positionality is essential for conducting ethical and unbiased research. I am committed to maintaining transparency and integrity throughout the research process.

By following these guidelines, you can create comprehensive and transparent research ethics and positionality statements.