Embracing qualitative research: a visual model for nuanced research ethics oversight

Abstract

The research ethics review systems within universities evolved from the positivist biomedical model but have expanded to include all non-clinical research involving human subjects. However, the application of the biomedical paradigm to qualitative research often creates significant problems. This article highlights the fundamental differences between biomedical and humanities and social science (HSS) research, illustrating that one size does not fit all when it comes to research ethics review. Recognising the resource constraints faced by many higher level education institutions, we develop a model which encompasses the traditional research ethics concepts without requiring separate oversight procedures. After its original construction based on extent research ethics literature, the model was evolved based on findings from qualitative interviews carried out with expert members of research ethics committees. The model can be adapted to multiple contexts through the application of different levels of tolerance in each domain. Our contribution is twofold: (1) to synthesise from the literature an explicit rationale for differentiating research contexts when it comes to research ethics oversight; and (2) to provide research ethics committees with a workable visual model that can be used to aid decision making in diverse research domains.