Microsoft Word research method fm doc

 
Privacy
When subjects enroll in a research study, they grant access to themselves, but this is not 
unlimited access. Access is a broad term and generally includes viewing, touch or having 
information about them.
 
Confidentiality 
Although someone may grant limited access to him or herself, they may not relinquish control 
over any information obtained. Certainly, no information obtained with the patient’s or 

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Research methodology 
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subject’s permission from their medical records should be disclosed to any third person 
without that individual’s consent. This applies to conversations too.
 
Fidelity
Fidelity means keeping our promises and avoiding negligence with information. If we agree 
for example, to send a summary of our research findings to participants in a study we should 
do so.
 
Applying to ethics committee 
Remember that the key questions that the Ethics Committee will be asking are:
• Is the research valid?
-How important is the research question?
-Can the question be answered? 
• Is the welfare of the research subject under threat?
-What will participating involve? 
-Are the risks necessary and acceptable? 
• Is the dignity of the research subject upheld?
-Will consent be sought? 
-Will confidentiality be respected? 
6.12 Pretest or pilot study 
Before the collection of data can be started, it is necessary to test the methods and to make 
various practical preparations. Pretests or pilot studies allow us to identify potential 
problems
in the proposed study. 
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A pretest usually refers to a small-scale trial of a particular research component. 
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A pilot study is the process of carrying out a preliminary study, going through the