LibGuides: Data Management for Wits: Research Ethics

Data Mangement and Ethics

Good ethics is good data Management. We call on researchers in planning and managing their research projects to act ethically with data. This is not simply a compliance issue although we remind you that research is still subject potentially to the POPIA act. However, We find that if a research project has an ethics problem that often results in bad data. And bad data management is one of the foremost reasons for ethical problems. Many of these issues are not due to a lack of will but a lack of knowledge or planning. We can help with both. We recommend that even if you are not strictly obliged to, that you apply for ethical clearance. If you do not need entire clearance the committee can still review your proposal. Data management plan as required by the NRF has an Ethics component. We suggest that you use the wits ethics form to guide you in doing your ethics in the DMP.

Ethics Management System (EMS)

A new online Ethics Management System (EMS) with Ethics User Guide is available on link: https://www.witsethics.co.za/Login.aspx
Applicants can self-register to submit their online ethic applications for approval to the various ethics committees.

Research Support ,Ethics Committees

Using the Internet in Africa Freedom of Expression and Privacy Challenges by Justine Limpitlaw What is less known is how Cambridge Analytica worked for the Kenyatta campaigs to sway tightly fought Kenyan elections (at least the last two) using fake news and targeted misinformation. Another, less sophisticated campaign, was that of bell Pottinger for the Guptas on WMC, RET.These obviously pose risks to African democracies" Given at the DIRISA National Research Data Workshop 19 June 2018 CSIR by Justine Limpitlaw Link Centre, University of the Witwatesrand
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This is a chilling and important reminders of what privacy means for South Africa in and our context

Singpore Statement on Research Integrity
he principles and responsibilities set out in the Singapore Statement on Research Integrity represent the first international effort to encourage the development of unified policies, guidelines and codes of conduct, with the long-range goal of fostering greater integrity in research worldwide.

The Statement is the product of the collective effort and insights of the 340 individuals from 51 countries who participated in the 2nd World Conference on Research Integrity. These included researchers, funders, representatives of research institutions (universities and research institutes) and research publishers. The Statement was developed by a small drafting committee (listed below); discussed and commented upon before, during and after the 2nd World Conference; and then finalized for release and global use on 22 September 2010.

Purpose

Publication of the Singapore Statement on Research Integrity is intended to challenge governments, organizations and researchers to develop more comprehensive standards, codes and policies to promote research integrity both locally and on a global basis.

The principles and responsibilities summarized in the Statement provide a foundation for more expansive and specific guidance worldwide. Its publication and dissemination are intended to make it easier for others to provide the leadership needed to promote integrity in research on a global basis, with a common approach to the fundamental elements of responsible research practice.

The Statement is applicable to anyone who does research, to any organization that sponsors research and to any country that uses research results in decision-making. Good research practices are expected of all researchers: government, corporate and academic. To view and download copies of the Statement, click on the links to the right.

The Singapore Statement on Research Integrity was developed as part of the 2nd World Conference on Research Integrity, 21-24 July 2010, in Singapore, as a global guide to the responsible conduct of research. It is not a regulatory document and does not represent the official policies of the countries and organizations that funded and/or participated in the Conference. For official policies, guidance, and regulations relating to research integrity, appropriate national bodies and organizations should be consulted.

Posted 22 September 2010;

Statement Drafting Committee:
Nicholas Steneck and Tony Mayer, Co-chairs, 2nd World Conference on Research Integrity
Melissa Anderson, Chair, Organizing Committee, 3rd World Conference on Research Integrity

Research Ethics Forms

FORM A - Request from Masters & PhD students or staff to conduct research

FORM B - Questionnaire Request to conduct research

FORM C - Request to conduct Research at the University for non Wits students or staff

Form and/or any supporting documentation can be emailed to Chantal Wilson Chantal.Wilson@wits.c.za.

Research Ethics: support and contacts

You can go directly to http://www.wits.ac.za/research/researcher-support/research-ethics/ethics-committees/

"The University insists that all its research be conducted following the very highest ethical standards. Research integrity, in general, is a cornerstone."All researchers including staff and students conducting any research for degree and/or publication and for any other reasons need ethics clearance before any research is conducted. If you fail to obtain ethical clearance before the research is started, then this may lead to publications not being published and students will not be in a position to be able to graduate."The University subscribes to the research integrity standards as set out in the Singapore Statement which may be viewed here.