Ethics in focus: PhD students’ perspectives on IRBs in India
Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication
ISSN: 2514-9342
Article publication date: 6 September 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of PhD students in India regarding research ethics and institutional review boards (IRBs), assess awareness levels, identify training gaps, examine ethical priorities and understand challenges in the IRB application process.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative approach was used, and a self-evaluator questionnaire was distributed electronically to PhD students. Data collection occurred between 1 March 1 and 30 March 2024, with analysis conducted using SPSS software.
Findings
The study reveals a significant gap in formal training on IRB procedures within PhD programs and challenges in completing IRB applications despite recognising ethical priorities such as informed consent and confidentiality.
Originality/value
This study provides insights into PhD students’ perspectives on research ethics and IRBs in India, highlighting the need for enhanced education and awareness initiatives to promote responsible conduct and safeguard research participants.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author, Naved Ahmad, would like to thank AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for supporting this research.
Author agreement/declaration: This is a statement to certify that all authors have seen and approved the final version of the manuscript being submitted. This manuscript has not received prior publication and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere.
Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Author contribution: Subaveerapandiyan A., Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Writing – Original Draft. Amreen Taj, Writing – Review and Editing, Investigation, Discussion. Naved Ahmad, Writing – Review and Editing, Investigation, Visualisation, Data Analysis. Manoj Kumar Verma, Writing – Review and Editing, Investigation, Data Interpretation. Mohammed Gulzar Ahmed, Writing – Review and Editing, Investigation, Resources.
Citation
A, S., Taj, A., Ahmad, N., Verma, M.K. and Ahmed, M.G. (2024), "Ethics in focus: PhD students’ perspectives on IRBs in India", Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-04-2024-0234
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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