Purpose
The purpose of Research Ethics policy is to ensure research integrity and promote responsible practice of research that is conducted at Dar Al Hekma University (DAH).
Definition
Research is a quest for new and improved insight. It is a systematic and organized activity governed by various values.The term “research ethics" refers to a codification of scientific integrity in practice. Guidelines for research ethics specify the basic values of the research community. Research Ethics regulate the responsibility of research, which has a social responsibility in the foundation for societal decisions and in providing knowledge to the public.
Responsible Party
Scientific Research Center (SRC) at DAH
Scope
All research conducted at DAH must be submitted to the SRC for review and approval.
Application Process
Interested researchers contact the SRC, which sends via email the Research Ethics form to be completed by the researchers. Then the SRC shares the form with the Research Committee members to get their approval. After that, the researchers can start conducing the study.
Responsibilities
Researchers and DAH are responsible for exercising honest research practices.
1. DAH must facilitate the development and maintenance of good scientific practice. It should communicate the guidelines for research ethics to employees and students,as well as to external researchers and collaborators.
2. Researchers must collect informed consent forms from participants before starting the study.
3. Researchers must secure privacy in collecting participants' data.
4. Researchers must assess unintended and undesirable consequences.
5. Researchers must make sure that the research does not violate laws and regulations, or represent a risk to people, society and nature.
6. Researchers must clarify the degree of certainty, precision and validity of their results. They must also indicate any elements of risk or uncertainty in the use of the research results.
Good Research Practice
Integrity and accountability are the foundation of research ethics.
This entails that:
1. DAH does not accept scientific fraudulence or manipulation of data.
2. DAH does not tolerate plagiarism.
3. Researchers acknowledge research done by others and follow standards for authorship.
4. Researchers apply for national project permits where such permits are required.
5. Researchers respect standards of safety for laboratories and the use of equipment.
6. Researchers are obliged to follow good citation practice.
Consent and Obligation to Notify
1. Researchers must inform participants of the area of research, the purpose of the research, funding source (if any), the intended use of the results, and the consequences of participation in the study.
2. Researchers must provide information in an unbiased manner that does not involve any pressure. The information must conform to the participants' cultural background and must be communicated in a language they understand.
Confidentiality
Researchers must process data acquired about personal matters confidentially. The publication of the data must be anonymized.
Protection of Children
Children who have turned 15 can consent to researchers collecting and using their personal data. If the children are under the age of 15, researchers must obtain consent from their parents or guardians.
Protection of Animals in Research
Researchers must show due care and respect for animal welfare in the preparation and execution of animal experiments.
Conflicts of Interest
The researcher is obliged to be open about possible conflicts of interest in the research project.
Respect for Vulnerable Groups
Researchers who collect information about the characteristics and behavior of individuals and groups should be considerate about using classifications that might result in unreasonable generalization or stigmatization.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the other face of scientific dishonesty. The definition of the plagiarism according to Oxford dictionary is “Plagiarism is presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own, with or without their consent, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement. All published and unpublished material, whether in manuscript, printed or electronic form, is covered under this definition. Plagiarism may be intentional or reckless, or unintentional. Under the regulations for examinations, intentional or reckless plagiarism is a disciplinary offence."
Plagiarism is unacceptable and constitutes a serious breach of research ethics. It is not permissible for any person participating in academic activities at DAH to commit any forms of plagiarism, including self-plagiarism.
In case of claim of plagiarism, the claimed plagiarized material is investigated by the Research Committee to evaluate this claim. If the committee find that the accused guilty, the committee suggest suitable penalty according to the current case scale and times of repetition.
