Research Ethics Policy

This policy covers research in education, language and literature, the social sciences and economics, which often involves people, their words and their data.

Approval

Studies involving human participants, human data or identifiable records must have been approved by the relevant ethics committee or institutional review board, or the committee must have waived approval. The article gives the full name of the committee and the approval number, or explains why approval was not required. This information appears in the Ethical considerations section.

Informed consent

• Participants must have given free, informed consent, and know that they may withdraw.
• For children and students, consent must come from parents or guardians and, where needed, from the school or university.
• Surveys, interviews and classroom observations must protect privacy; data are anonymised unless participants agreed otherwise.
• Do not pressure students or employees to take part in research.

Vulnerable groups and sensitive topics

Extra care is needed for children, people with disabilities, minorities and any group in a dependent relationship with the researcher. Reports must not harm participants or communities.

Data protection

Personal data are collected only when necessary, stored securely and shared only as described in the consent. See also the Research Data Policy and Consent for Publication & Identifying Information.

Animals and other research

Studies involving animals follow the recognised ethical guidelines and national law. Where a study is unusual or sensitive, editors may ask for additional documents.

Non-compliance

Manuscripts without the required ethical statements are returned. Serious breaches are handled under the Research Misconduct Policy.