Research Ethical Considerations: How to Write a Successful Ethics Application

Ethics sit at the heart of good research. Whether you are a student, practitioner, or early-career researcher, understanding ethical considerations in your research is essential not only for approval processes but for conducting responsible, credible work.

This guide explores the types of research requiring ethical review, common ethical issues in social research, and practical tips for writing a strong, successful ethics application.

Research with ethical considerations:

In simple terms: most research involving people, animals, or sensitive data will have ethical considerations.

These include:

1. Primary Research

Primary research involves collecting new data directly from participants. Examples include:

• Interviews

• Surveys

• Experiments

• Observations

• Focus groups

As you are interacting with participants or gathering identifiable data, ethical approval is usually required to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all involved.

2. Research Involving Human Participants

Any study involving humans must consider:

• Consent

• Confidentiality

• Potential harm or distress

• Right to withdraw

This applies across disciplines but is particularly central in psychology and social sciences. Without these ethical considerations, a study cannot and should not go ahead.

3. Research Involving Animal Participants

However, that does not just stop at human participants. Animal research introduces additional ethical responsibilities, including:

• Welfare and humane treatment

• Justification of necessity

• Minimisation of suffering

Animals can't give consent, so such studies typically undergo stringent ethical scrutiny.

4. Social Sciences and Psychology Research

Research exploring human behaviour, experiences, attitudes, or mental processes often raises ethical complexities such as:

• Emotional sensitivity

• Privacy concerns

• Power dynamics

• Vulnerable populations

Why do ethical guidelines matter?

Professional ethical frameworks provide researchers with standards for responsible practice.

For psychology research in the UK, the British Psychological Society (BPS) guidelines are a key reference point.

These outline principles such as:

• Respect

• Competence

• Responsibility

• Integrity

Click here to learn more about the BPS guidelines.

For studies involving healthcare settings, patients, NHS staff, or medical data, researchers must also consider the Health Research Authority (HRA) NHS guidelines.

The HRA provides governance and ethical review standards to protect participants, patients, and the public in health and social care research.

Click here to learn more about the HRA NHS guidelines.

Consulting relevant professional and regulatory guidance strengthens both your study design and ethics application by demonstrating:

• Awareness of ethical responsibilities

• Compliance with UK research standards

• Protection of participant rights and wellbeing

Consulting relevant professional body guidance strengthens both your study design and ethics application. Research must also be legally compliant, such as ensuring data collected are appropriate, stored securely and have clear deletion mechanisms in place.

Now we understand the different types of research and their ethical considerations, lets take a look at some examples.

Research ethical considerations example:

Example 1: Secondary Analysis of Anonymous Data

A company has an existing dataset containing fully anonymised customer information. No individuals can be identified, and the researcher is simply analysing patterns.

What are the Ethical implications?

• No direct participant involvement

• No identifiable data

• Minimal risk

Outcome:Formal ethical approval may not be required, though institutional policies should still be checked. Ethical approval may be required for academic publication or disseminating the findings, as participants should have consented to this use the of data.

Example 2: Interviews with Human Participants

A student plans to conduct interviews exploring workplace stress.

What are the Ethical considerations they should take?

• Informed consent – Participants must understand the study’s purpose

• Confidentiality – Responses must be protected

• Potential distress – Discussing stress may trigger discomfort

• Right to withdraw – Participants can leave at any time

• Data storage – Secure handling of recordings and transcripts

Outcome:Ethical approval will be required.

Now lets take a look at how this plays out in social research.

What are the ethical issues in social research?

Social research plays a vital role in helping us understand human behaviour, experiences, and social dynamics. But because it involves people, often discussing personal or sensitive topics ethical considerations are fundamental to the design and conduct of such studies.

Whether you’re a student, academic, or practitioner, recognising and addressing ethical issues ensures your research is both responsible and credible.

Let’s explore the key ethical domains that researchers must consider, according to the BPS:

• Participant Protection: Minimising Risk and Harm: At the centre of ethical research is a simple principle: DO NOT CAUSE HARM. Even studies that appear “low risk” may involve: Psychological discomfort, Emotional distress, Social/ reputational risks or Financial implications.

  Researchers must evaluate:

  -What could go wrong

  -How likely is it?

  -How will risks be minimised?

  For example, asking participants about stress, trauma, or workplace conflict may trigger discomfort. Ethical research anticipates this and includes safeguards.

• Informed Consent: Respecting Autonomy

  Participants must freely choose to take part, and that choice must be informed.

  True informed consent means participants:

  • Understand the study’s purpose

  • Know what participation involves

  • Are aware of risks and benefits

  • Know they can withdraw

• Privacy and Confidentiality

  Social research often involves personal stories, opinions, or sensitive disclosures.

  Protecting participants means safeguarding:

  • Identity

  • Personal data

  • Confidential information

  This typically includes:

  -Anonymisation

  -Secure storage

  -Restricted access

  -Clear data handling procedures

  A breach of confidentiality can cause emotional, social, or professional harm, making this a critical ethical priority.

Research ethical issues examples:

Understanding ethical domains is one thing. Communicating them effectively in an ethics application is another.

Here are our top 5 practical tips when writing about ethical issues in your Application:

1. Be Specific, Not Generic

Avoid:

• “Participants will be protected.”

Use:

• “Although risks are minimal, discussing workplace stress may cause mild discomfort. Participants may pause or withdraw at any time.”

2. Clearly Describe Consent Procedures

• How consent is obtained

• What information is provided

• How voluntariness is ensured

Example:

• “Participants will receive an information sheet and provide written informed consent prior to participation.”

3. Explain Confidentiality Safeguards

• “Interview recordings will be anonymised and stored on encrypted devices accessible only to the research team.”

4. Use Ethical Language

Helpful phrasing:

• “Participants’ autonomy will be respected…”

• “Risks will be minimised by…”

• “Participation is voluntary…”

• “Data will be handled in accordance with GDPR…”

5. Reference Relevant Guidelines

Where appropriate, align your study with:

• BPS Code of Ethics

• Institutional ethics policies

• HRA / NHS guidance (if applicable)

  
  

Looking for support with ethics applications? We run an independent research ethics committee and provide research consultancy and support services, so reach out if we can help.

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