I am writing a manuscript for empathy scale development and validation.
I am writing a manuscript for my project on an empathy scale that I developed and collected data through a survey. I reached out to my friends, colleagues, and other individuals. My question is whether ethical approval is required for this study. I understand that studies involving human participants typically require ethical approval. In my institution, I worked with the institutional ethical committee, and they were initially resistant but eventually approved the study after several requests. However, I am curious if there is any alternative way to navigate this process.
It’s commendable that you sought ethical approval for your study, as it is a crucial step in ensuring the protection and well-being of human participants. Generally, any research involving human participants, such as your empathy scale project, should undergo an ethical review process. However, if you encounter challenges or resistance, consider exploring external ethical review boards, collaborating with institutions with more receptive committees, consulting professional organizations for guidance, having preliminary discussions with your current committee, or making minor modifications to address concerns. Ensure that any alternative approach maintains ethical standards and prioritizes participant well-being. Ethical approval is crucial for the credibility of your research, so navigate the process transparently and responsibly.
