St. Thomas More College, University of Saskatchewan Department ...

The Department of Psychology Research Ethics Committee (Psy-REC) would like to remind you that all 300 B level
lab projects involving data collection require ethical approval by Psy-REC. The committee has the authorization to
approve minimal risk protocols, including those that involve vulnerable populations, such as children or adolescents.
When we encounter a protocol that, in our opinion, exceeds minimal risk, then we will conduct an initial review and
forward the application to the Behavioural REB requesting an expedited review on your behalf.
Please be aware that ethical approval is necessary before you begin data collection
The review procedures (for both mandatory pre-review and committee review) are outlined on the Psy-REC website
http://artsandscience.usask.ca/psychology/department/ethics.php. Please be aware that the review procedures
outlined on the website will be strictly adhered to during the coming semester. It is your responsibility to follow
these procedures in order to facilitate a timely review of your protocol.
Psy-REC Application Guidelines
Below are detailed guidelines for completing the Psy-REC applications for ethical approval of undergraduate
research. Please read these guidelines carefully and refer to them often while completing your application. Failure
to comply with these guidelines most often results in applications requiring modifications and resubmission
before ethical approval is granted.
These guidelines and suggested “standard statements” have been developed after extensive review of the most
common revisions required in past years. They can be used for most class projects and honours theses. Feel free to
use the standard statements verbatim if they apply to your proposed research – you have our permission and this will
not constitute plagiarism! However, be aware that they may require adaptations to be applicable to your specific
research project. You remain responsible for ensuring that the information contained in your application is
complete and accurate for your study. You are also responsible for ensuring that the information provided in
your application is consistent with the information provided in other sections of the application as well as in the
recruitment, consent and debriefing materials.
TEMPLATES: It is necessary that you submit your application using the most recent version of the Psy-REC
application form and consent form templates. Applications that are submitted in an alternative format will be
returned without review.
SIGNATURES: Applications that are submitted to Psy-REC without the necessary signatures (student-researchers
and faculty supervisor) will be returned without review. The faculty supervisor signature denotes that the supervisor
has carefully read the application and approves of all elements of the research as proposed.
SMALL SAMPLE QUALITATIVE RESEARCH: In some studies, the anonymity/confidentiality of the participants
cannot be guaranteed because of either a small number of participants involved or their membership in an
identifiable population. Alternatively, the research report may require the use of a direct quotes or other information
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