Minimal Risk, Course-Based Student Research Involving Human Participants

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Introduction

All research at KPU is reviewed according to criteria designated by the Tri Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2, 2022) and KPU’s RS1 Policy and Procedure.  All ethics applications for REB Review are submitted online through the ROMEO Researcher Portal.  Instructions for submitting an application and training materials on using the ROMEO system can be found below.

What is Research?

Research is defined as an undertaking intended to extend knowledge through a disciplined inquiry or systematic investigation.  The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services defines research as, “a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalized knowledge.” (HHS (US) 46.102(d))).  Some quality assurance, quality improvement studies, or program evaluation activities so not constitute “research” and therefore do not fall within the scope of the REB.  However, we strongly suggest that you first discuss you project with the REB Chair to determine whether you are exempt from REB Review.

Before you begin your application

  1. All researchers must complete the TCPS 2: CORE – 2022 Tutorial online, which provides an introduction to the TCPS 2 Policy Statement. Upon completion, applicants will receive a Certificate of Completion that then must be uploaded as an attachment to your ROMEO application.
  2. If the research involves Indigenous people in Canada, the applicant must read Chapter 9 (Research Involving First Nations, Inuit and Métis People of Canada) of the TCPS 2 Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (2022). Researchers also need to consult section E.1.c in the RS1 Procedure for KPU guidelines.
  3. Register for an account on the ROMEO Researcher Portal by visiting the ROMEO F.A.Q. for detailed information, or contact the Coordinator, Research Ethics at reb@kpu.ca for help.
  4. Training sessions for ROMEO are available one on one through the Research Ethics Coordinator.  Please email reb@kpu.ca for more information and to book a training session.

Submitting your application in ROMEO

  1. Before submitting your application, review the

  2. Submit the application in ROMEO, remembering to attach copies of all consent forms, advertisements, survey instruments, etc.
  3. Please remember to also attach all course descriptions, outlines, and presentations, including:
  •         The official course presentation approved by KPU’s Senate Standing Committee on Curriculum.
  •         The current faculty member’s course presentation, outline and/or syllabus.
  •         Any documentation pertaining to the course-based research projects (e.g., research assignment instructions).
  •         The faculty member’s TCPS 2 Tutorial Certificate (provided to you after you complete the TCPS 2: Core – Tutorial).

After Submission

  1. Applicants will receive confirmation from the Research Ethics Coordinator once the application has been submitted to ROMEO.
  2. If there are any changes required to the application, applicants will receive notification from the Research Ethics Coordinator about the changes required.  Applicants will then amend the original application in ROMEO.  Detailed instructions will be sent to applicants from the REB.

 

After Approval

  1. Once the application has been approved, applicants will receive a Certificate of Approval from the REB.
  2. According to KPU’s RS1 Research Involving Human Participants Procedure, an on-going/ progress report (typically annually) is required to be submitted to the REB.  In addition, a final/end of project report must be submitted within 60 days of the completion of data collection.  Applicants will receive notification from ROMEO when the Annual or Completion of Data Collection reports are due.
  3. How to submit an amendment and End of Project Report

Revising an Application

  1. All revisions to research ethics protocols must be approved by the REB.
  2. For revisions or changes to approved applications, please submit an amendment outlining the proposed changes. No further research can take place until the new protocols have REB approval.
  3. How to submit an amendment and End of Project Report

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For Additional Help

Contact Foluso Fagbamiye, Research Ethics Coordinator, KPU