BU Research Blog

As members of a Research Ethics Panel at Bournemouth University, we frequently discuss, both within the Panel and with researchers, the Panel’s role in reviewing applications. This discussion usually focuses on the balance between reviewing issues which clearly have ethical implications and methodological considerations. Ultimately, the question is ‘Should research ethics committees take methodological issues into consideration when reviewing an application seeking ethical approval?’

Research ethics committees are often seen as guardians of participant welfare, ensuring that studies are conducted safely, respectfully and in accordance with established ethical principles. Their focus is sometimes perceived as limited to issues such as informed consent, confidentiality and risk management. However, ethical review cannot be meaningfully separated from methodological scrutiny. Research ethics committees should, and indeed must, consider the quality and appropriateness of research methodology when reviewing applications, because flawed science is, at its core, unethical.

At the heart of ethical research lies respect for participants’ time, contribution and trust. Individuals who agree to take part in research, whether patients, students, professionals or members of the public, do so believing that their involvement will contribute to generating new knowledge. If research is poorly designed, inadequately powered or methodologically flawed, it cannot answer the predetermined research questions. Participants may therefore experience inconvenience, burden or even risk without the possibility of contributing to meaningful research findings. This represents a failure of ethical responsibility as much as it is poor science.

Research ethics and methodology are therefore inseparable. A consent process cannot be truly informed if the study itself is incapable of delivering what it promises. Participants are entitled not only to understand what will happen to them, but also to know that their involvement has purpose and value. Reviewing methodology allows research ethics committees to ensure that the social and scientific justification for the research is sound.

To return to the earlier question, research ethics committees are not fulfilling their primary function if consideration of methodology is not part of their decision-making process.

For more information about the ethical review of research at Bournemouth University visit https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/research/research-environment/research-governance-research-ethics-integrity