1. Research Ethics Board (REB)
WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY Waterloo | Brantford | Kitchener | Toronto
Research Ethics Board (REB)

2. What is REB approval?
Approval granted to a researcher using human participants to ensure participants are treated in a fair & ethical manner.
If you are using human participants in a research project, you need REB approval prior to collecting data from the participants.

3. Why is REB approval even required?
Several research projects carried out in the 1960’s resulted in participant deaths and/or major psychological damage
At that time there was no oversight to regulate the activities of researchers using human participants
REBs were established & guidelines developed to review all research involving humans to ensure safe and ethical treatment of participants used in research

4. Why is REB approval even required?
The Federal Government provides significant funding to support research at Laurier.
This funding requires that all human research conducted at Laurier receive REB approval

5. Why is REB approval even required?
The REB review produces higher quality research by identifying and eliminating mistakes and errors before research begins.

6. Proportional Review
Increasing Risk to Participant safety results in a more in-depth review of the research design by the REB and more stringent safeguards to enhance participant safety
Research projects that present low risk to participants receive less scrutiny from the REB and require few safeguards for the participants.

7. REB Review - Timing
It takes approximately 10 working days to obtain REB approval
Approval must be in place prior to collecting data from your participants
REB approval can be granted for as long as 2 years

8. REB Review - Applying
All new applications, modification requests and annual reports are submitted directly online.
Access to the online system and instructions on the Research Ethics (Human)webpage (please click here)
As of March 1, 2013 all researchers listed on an REB application will need to complete the online ethics tutorial (1-2 hours).

9. REB Review - Process
REB Chair + 1 REB member will review your application
You will receive comments via from the REB
Revise your application to address the REB comments (underline & reference your changes) and resubmit for review.
Approval letter will be issued via

10. REB Review – Future Changes
You can make minor changes and modifications to your REB application after you receive approval.
Changes are typically approved within 24 hours

11. REB Application Tips
Answer all questions on the application with as much detail as possible – incomplete or one word answers usually result in additional follow-up from the REB
Avoid highly technical terminology in describing your research design
Use everyday language and terms to describe your project

12. REB Application Tips
All participants must be willing volunteers; therefore, you will need a consent or information letter to explain your project to them
Use the template provided at the end of the REB application form
Identify at least one benefit or positive outcome from your research
Offer to provide a summary of your project results to the participants

13. REB Application Tips - Risks
All research presents some risk to the participants.
Identify at least 1 risk to the participants – even if it is minor (e.g., you may become bored taking the survey).
Outline plans to minimize the identified risks (e.g., you may take a break whenever you need one).
Types of Risks
Physical
Social
Psychological / Emotional
Repercussions for (or for not) participating
Is the level of risk greater than what they would encounter in their everyday lives?

14. REB Application Tips – Vulnerable Participants
Projects using participants that may be vulnerable will receive greater scrutiny
Additional safeguards maybe required
Vulnerable Participants
Diminished decision making capacity
Children (under 16 requires parental consent)
From different cultures or ethnic groups
Captive or dependent on others
Research projects taking place outside of Canada

15. Application Tips – Privacy & Data Security
All participants must remain unidentified in any reports or presentations.
You may ID a participant only when you have obtained their permission to do so
Participants should have the chance to vet their quotes before you use them
Outline the procedures you will take to protect participant data from unauthorized access
Examples
password protect e-data
store hard copy data in a locked cabinet

16. Questions? Email reb@wlu.ca Call 519-884-0710 (x3131)
Visit: Alumni Hall – Office of Research Services