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Frequently asked questions

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  1. Is there any guidance about conducting internet-mediated research?
  2. What extra considerations should I be aware of if I am working with children or vulnerable groups?
  3. Is there any guidance about providing recompense to research volunteers?
  4. What should I be aware of when lone working or carrying out fieldwork?
  5. I would like to use human tissue in my research - who do I contact? 

1. Is there any guidance about conducting internet-mediated research?

Please explore the following useful resources about Internet-mediated research and on-line surveys:

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2. What extra considerations should I be aware of if I am working with children or vulnerable groups?

OU staff and postgraduate research students researching any vulnerable groups will need to obtain a DBS check. The cost of the DBS check is charged to individual departments.

Please contact People Services for information on how to apply for a DBS check.

Overseas research where a DBS clearance is required by OU policy

If you are carrying out research overseas with vulnerable groups, including children, you will need to obtain a DBS check. In addition, you should familiarise yourself with, and follow any local laws, customs and any ethics codes or standards, including complying with a local DBS equivalent, where available. 

OU Safeguarding policy

OU staff who are carrying out research with children or vulnerable adults should be aware of the OU Safeguarding Policy (internal only).

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3. Is there any guidance about providing recompense to research volunteers?

Research participants can be offered a small payment as compensation for the time commitment involved in taking part in a research study, although it should not be considered a benefit or inducement. For further guidance on reimbursing volunteers, please refer to the following:

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4. What should I be aware of when lone working or carrying out fieldwork?

The following guidance should be followed in any situation when you will be alone with a research participant:

  • Design the research to minimise lone working by working in small teams if possible.
  • Have a plan of activities, share that plan with a key contact (co-workers, members of the research team, partners etc.) and have a clear escalation route should you not be heard from within a certain time frame.
  • Try and conduct the research in public spaces. Although the risk of something untoward happening may be the same, there will be people to help if anything does happen.
  • Be contactable - carry a fully charged mobile.
  • Be prepared and be mindful. Look out for potential risks, continuously assess them, and have a plan to deal with them or extricate yourself from any potential danger.

You should also read and follow the OU’s guidance on Lone Working (internal only).

If you are carrying out fieldwork in the UK or overseas, you should be aware of the OU Fieldwork (internal only) and International Travel guidance (internal only).

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5. I would like to use human tissue in my research – who do I contact?

Any Human Tissue Act (HTA) enquiries should be addressed to Dr Duncan Banks, who will provide you with advice about the process that you need to follow.

Human tissue contains DNA and under the HTA it is ‘unlawful to have human tissue with the intention of its DNA being analysed, without the consent of the person from whom the tissue came’.

Further information about the Human Tissue Act can be found on the Human Tissue Authority website.

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