top image

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I know if my project is research and requires ethics review?
Q. What are the differences between the terms “research, quality improvement, and program evaluation”? I know that only research (or applied research) needs to be submitted for ethical review (i.e. quality improvement and program evaluation activities are exempt from ethical review.
Q. Do I need to take some special ethical training to apply for ethical review at CCITAL?
Q. To whom do I send my completed application?
Q. How long will it take the REB to review my application?
Q. Why does it take at least two weeks for the REB to review my application?
Q. What do the members of the REB look for when reviewing my application?
Q. I am planning to conduct this research project at several Ontario colleges. Do I have to fill out a separate application form for each college?
Q. Who is on the Research Ethics Board and when do they meet?
Q. How do I become a member of the REB?
Q. : Could I incorporate some learning objectives into my course which would teach students about research ethics?

Q. How do I know if my project is research and requires ethics review?

A: For help in determining whether your project is defined as research, please refer to the CCITAL Research Guidelines and Definitions (pdf) document. You might also wish to look at definitions provided by the Fraser Health Authority. (pdf) If you still have questions after reviewing these documents, please consult the Co-chairs of the REB at rebchair@conestogac.on.ca

Back to Top

Q. What are the differences between the terms “research, quality improvement, and program evaluation”? I know that only research (or applied research) needs to be submitted for ethical review (i.e. quality improvement and program evaluation activities are exempt from ethical review).

A. The Fraser Health Authority has a chart which might help you to determine which category best describes your data collection activity. If you are still unsure after reviewing the chart, please contact the REB Co-chairs directly at rebchair@conestogac.on.ca. Even though the data collection might be described as quality improvement or program evaluation, there may be some ethical issues which you may wish to consider. Click here for an online tool which might help you to identify issues involved with quality improvement or program evaluation activities.

Back to Top

Q. Do I need to take some special ethical training to apply for ethical review at CCITAL?

A. It is strongly recommended that researchers complete the free, online TCPS2 training available from the Interagency Advisory Panel on Research Ethics (PRE) Course on Research Ethics in both English and French. Once all modules have been completed, you will be issued a certificate of completion which can be forwarded to the Research Ethics Coordinator (rebcoordinator@conestogac.on.ca) along with your application. Effective September 1, 2012, completion of this online TCPS2 ethical training will be a requirement before submitting an ethics application to the CCITAL Research Ethics Board.

Back to Top

Q. To whom do I send my completed application?

A: Applications may be emailed to the Research Ethics Board Coordinator (rebcoordinator@conestogac.on.ca). Researchers are required to sign the final page of the application form submit this as well. Signature pages can be scanned and emailed to the REB coordinator, may be faxed to the Coordinator at 519-748-3521, or mailed to the Coordinator at:
Office of Applied Research
SCSB
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
299 Doon Valley Drive
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4M4

Back to Top

Q. How long will it take the REB to review my application?

A: The expected timelines for review of applications will vary depending on whether or not the research is considered to be minimal risk. Research that is above minimal risk may take longer to review because additional expertise or other REBs may need to be consulted. Each situation is unique. Applicants can expect communication concerning timelines from the REB Co-chairs within 10 working days of receipt of application.

Back to Top

Q. Why does it take at least two weeks for the REB to review my application?

A. There are a number of steps involved with decisions the REB must make behind the scenes even before it can assess the ethical considerations involved with your application. Click here for a complete flow chart (pdf) which details the processes and decisions involved.

Back to Top

Q. What do the members of the REB look for when reviewing my application?

A. There are a number of considerations, some of which are highlighted on the Reviewer Checklist (doc) and the Checklist for information and consent letters (doc). As well, McMaster University has developed a handy guide to completing an ethics application.

Back to Top

Q. I am planning to conduct this research project at several Ontario colleges. Do I have to fill out a separate application form for each college?

A: At this time, most colleges require that you apply individually. At CCITAL, you may either apply using our standard application form or, if you have REB approval from another college, you may use the process for previously approved applications. COMING SOON: By early February, 2012, you will be able to use a common application form to apply to REBs at a number of colleges. Stay tuned for further information!

Back to Top

Q. Who is on the Research Ethics Board and when do they meet?

A: Please visit Research Ethics Board for more information on the REB.

Back to Top

Q. How do I become a member of the REB?

A. The Research Board of CCITAL appoints members of the REB ensuring that the board maintains the required composition of members as specified under the TCPS2. Considerations include: the total number of members required, the mix of internal and external members, the research method expertise of members, diversity, ethics expertise, legal expertise, etc. If you are interested in being considered for a position, please send an email, along with a copy of your resume detailing expertise you have with the research ethics process or any special skills which may be useful to the REB, to the attention of the Research Ethics Coordinator ( rebcoordinator@conestogac.on.ca). Please clearly indicate any organizational affiliation you currently have with CCITAL.

Back to Top

Q. Could I incorporate some learning objectives into my course which would teach students about research ethics?

A. The REB recommends that any course which requires students to conduct research, or which is focused on teaching students about various research methodologies, include some outcomes which deal with research ethics. This will help to create an awareness that ethical integrity is one aspect of academic integrity of quality research. The following outcomes could be included, as appropriate, into courses requiring student research or which teach research methodologies:

Course level outcome:

  • Ensure research protocols comply with the Tri-council Policy Statement on research ethics.

Unit level outcomes:

  • Differentiate among the terms research, quality improvement and program evaluation.
  • Complete the online TCPS tutorial.
  • Describe common ethical issues which could affect a research protocol.
  • Describe the ethical approval process.
  • Critically analyze a research protocol to identify ethical considerations.
  • Develop mechanisms to address any ethical issues.
  • Prepare a research ethics application which complies with the TCPS requirements

Back to Top