National Statement on Ethical
Conduct in Research Involving Humans
Part 8 - Research Involving Collectivities
Collectivities are distinct human groups with their own social structures that link members with a common identity, with common customs and with designated leaders or other persons who represent collective interests in dealing with researchers. Examples of collectivities may include cultural or ethnic groups, and indigenous communities.
The following is likely to be relevant in relation to some aspects of research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. However there are separate guidelines (referred to in 9. Research Involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples) which deal with these issues specifically when they involve health and medical research or when researchers have applied for funds to specific bodies such as the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).
8.1 Collectivities are distinguished by:
(a) recognition of common beliefs, values, social structures or other enduring features that identify them as a separate group;
(b) customary collective decision making in accordance with tradition and beliefs;
(c) it being customary for leaders or identified members of the collectivity to express a collective view; and
(d) members of the collectivity being aware of their common activities and common interests with other members.
8.2 Researchers must seek Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approval for research involving a collectivity. Before approving such research, an HREC must be satisfied that the following matters have been addressed in the research protocol:
(a) whether, in addition to individual consent, collectivity leaders should be consulted for approval;
(b) whether arrangements to address issues identified in this paragraph have followed a process of negotiation;
(c) issues of consent, privacy, confidentiality and harms within the collectivity, to either individuals or the collectivity;
(d) the ownership of data and the manner of dissemination of research findings; and
(e) the manner in which disagreements between the researcher and the collectivity will be resolved.
[ ^ to top ] [Table of Contents]
[Preamble] [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5] [Part 6]
[Part 7] [Part 8] [Part 9] [Part 10] [Part 11] [Part 12] [Part 13]
[Part 14] [Part 15] [Part 16] [Part 17] [Part 18] [Part 19]
[Appendix 1] [Appendix 2] [Appendix 3