Consideration of Ethics Issues in the Delivery of Your Project (CATS ethics form)
- Name:
- University email address:
- Student Number:
- Course: Dance and Professional Practice
- Supervisor’s name & email address:
- Working title of project: Body Image Perception in University Dance Students
SECTION A Proposal
Please summarise your project below. Consider the ethical issues involved in the proposal and how you will address them. For any project that involves human participants a clear explanation must be given of how you will obtain informed consent and how confidentiality will be observed including secure storage of any personal details. You must explain how the nature of the research and the way your findings will be communicated to participants must be provided. Clarify methodology and identify any potential risks to participants, state how these will be communicated to participants and addressed.
If protocols are being used that have already received University Research Ethics Committee (UREC) ethical approval, then please specify reference number. Roles of any collaborating institutions should be clearly identified. Reference should be made to the appropriate professional body code of practice.
Introduction
It has been suggested that dance may enhance positive or negative body image (Langdon & Petraca, 2010). Dancers in general have a different conception of what body image is and what that it means to them individually (Clements, 2020). It can affect how they feel and look during dance classes (Oliver, 2008). Body image is not solely based on how one perceives themselves; it can be influenced by societal standards, culture, emotions, mood, experience and environment (Croll, 2005). Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine how University dance students perceive and appreciate their body image.
Methodology
Participants
A minimum of 10 participants will be recruited. Participants will be University dance students aged between 18 and 25 years old. Participants will be recruited via word of mouth, social media and email.
Procedures
The Body Appreciation Scale (BAS: Avalos, Tylka and Wood-Barcalow, 2005) will be used to measure positive body image. This valid and reliable questionnaire consists of 13 questions using a 5-point Likert-type scale frequency (1 =never to 5= always) (Appendix 3).
The Dancer body perception by Price & Pettijohn (2006) will be used to measure self- and body perception. This valid questionnaire consists of 10 questions using a 5-point Likert-type scale of agreement (1 = strongly disagreed to 5 = strongly agreed) (Appendix 4). Both questionnaires will be distributed in person or by email.
Consent
Before any data can be collected from participants, a consent form and information sheet will be provided to be completed by the participants. The information sheet will include details of what needs to be completed, what participants will need to do for this study, and that they reserve the right to withdraw from the study should they wish to do so at any point. Contact details of the investigator will be provided.
Confidentiality
Written confirmation that any documentation with participant information and data will be stored safely throughout the study. Participants will be assured of anonymity and confidentiality. All information gathered from the study will be disposed of once the study ceases. Participants names will not be used to protect their identities. In accordance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR (Regulation, 2016) and Data Protection Act 2018 (GOV.UK, 2018), data obtained, and ethical considerations will be adhered to.
References
Avalos, L., Tylka, T.L. and Wood-Barcalow, N., 2005. The body appreciation scale: Development and psychometric evaluation. Body image, 2(3), pp.285-297.
Clements, L., 2020. Body Image and Dance — the dance psychologist. [online] the dance psychologist. Available at: https://www.thedancepsychologist.com
Croll, J., 2005. Body image and adolescents. Chest (in), 40(35), p.50.
GOV.UK. (2018). Data Protection Act 2018. (online) Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/data-protection-act-2018
GOV.UK. (2018). Guide to the General Data Protection Regulation. (online) Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation
Oliver, W., 2008. Body image in the dance class. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 79(5), pp.18-41.
Langdon, S.W. and Petracca, G., 2010. Tiny dancer: Body image and dancer identity in female modern dancers. Body image, 7(4), pp.360-363.
Price, B.R. and Pettijohn, T.F., 2006. The effect of ballet dance at ire on body and self-perceptions of female dancers. Social Behaviour and Personality: an international journal, 34(8), pp.991-998.
SECTION B Check List
Please answer the following questions by circling YES or NO as appropriate.
- Does the project involve vulnerable participants or those unable to give informed consent (e.g. children, people with learning disabilities, your own students)?
NO
- Will the project require permission of a gatekeeper for access to participants (e.g. parent, schools, self-help groups, residential homes, owner of a property)?
NO
- Will it be necessary for participants to be involved without consent (e.g. covert observation in non-public places)?
NO
- Will the project involve sensitive topics (e.g. obtaining information about sexual activity, substance abuse)?
NO
- Will blood, tissue samples or any other substances be taken from participants?
NO
- Will the research involve intrusive interventions (e.g. the administration of drugs, hypnosis, physical exercise beyond what participants are accustomed to, ingestion of substances, intimate contact or nudity)?
NO
- Will financial or other inducements be offered to participants (except reasonable expenses or small tokens of appreciation)?
NO
- Will the research investigate any aspect of illegal activity (e.g. drugs, crime, underage alcohol consumption or trespass)?
NO
- Will participants be stressed beyond what is considered normal for them?
NO
- Will the study involve participants from the NHS (patients or staff) or will data be obtained from NHS premises?
NO
- Can the data presented in your report identify or be traced back to a named individual?
NO
- Will your project involve the use or collection of biological material or data from overseas that may contravene the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit sharing?
NO
If the answer to any of the questions above is “Yes”, or if there are any other significant ethical issues, then further ethical consideration is required. Please document carefully how these issues will be addressed in Sections C – E.
Signed (student): Date: 25/02/2022
Countersigned (Supervisor): Date: 02/03/2022
SECTION C
Checklist of documents which should be included if applicant answered “YES” to any of the Check List items in SECTION B:
*Please note if the answer to Question 10 is yes then the proposal should be submitted through NHS research ethics approval procedures to the appropriate NRES. The UREC should be informed of the outcome.
| Project proposal (with details of methodology) & source of funding (provide copies) For ug this can be added to section A | YES |
| Documentation seeking informed consent (if appropriate) (provide copies) | YES |
| Information sheet for participants (if appropriate) (provide copies) | YES |
| Questionnaire (if appropriate) (provide copies) | YES |
(Tick as appropriate)
| Applicant declaration I understand that I cannot collect any data until the application referred to in this form has been approved by all relevant parties. I agree to carry out the research in the manner specified and comply with the statement of ethical requirements as per the University Research Ethics Policy (https://live-beds-uni-cdnep.azureedge.net/live-beds-uni-media/264423/research-ethics-policy.pdf). If I make any changes to the approved method, I will seek further ethical approval for any changes. Signature of Applicant: Signature of Reviewer: ………………….…… Date: …………………………. |
This form together with a copy of the research proposal, and any other supporting documents, should be submitted to the Research Institute Director for consideration by the Research Institute Ethics Committee / Panel
Note you cannot commence collection of research data until this form has been approved
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 – Information Sheet
Body Image Perception in University Dance Students
Dear Participant,
Please read this information sheet carefully before deciding whether to participate. If you have any questions regarding this study, please do not hesitate to contact the lead investigator on ………. If you wish to volunteer for this study, we thank you and ask that you email the address above to let the investigator know of your participation.
What is the aim of the project?
The aim of this study is to examine how University dancers perceive and appreciate their body image.
Participants needed
This study is looking for University dance students aged between 18 and 25 years old.
What the participants will do?
For this study you will be required to complete two questionnaires.
What if you decide you want to withdraw from the project?
If you wish to withdraw from the study at any time please contact ………….. informing the investigator of your wishes.
Confidentiality
In accordance with general data protection regulation (GDPR) (Regulation, 2016) and the data protection act 2018 (GOV.UK,2018) any data obtained, and ethical considerations will be adhered to. Therefore, any documentation with your information will be stored securely throughout the study and disposed of once the study ceases. Prior to the study, the participants will be asked to sign a consent form to show their willingness to complete the questionnaire. This information sheet includes everything you will need to know prior to confirming your participation and completing the questionnaire.
What if I have any questions?
If at any point you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Many Thanks,
APPENDIX 2- Consent Form
CONSENT FORM FOR PARTICIPATION IN RESEARCH
I am a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Bedfordshire and am working towards my dissertation. My research for my dissertation explores…
- Body image perception in University dance students.
The research activities in which you will be involved is…
- Completion of two questionnaires.
As part of my research, your responses will be documented in written form, this information will only be used to inform my research and will not be used in any public domain. All data will be stored securely and destroyed at the end of the study. The identities of all research participants will be protected, and no names will be used within my dissertation.
I …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
being over the age of 18 years hereby consent to participate in the following research project:
Body Image Perception in University Dance Students
- I agree to documentation and publication through audio visual means e.g., video, still image, of my information and participation.
- I am aware that I should retain a copy of the Consent Form for future reference.
- I understand that:
- I am free to withdraw from the project at any time and am free to decline to answer questions.
- I may ask that the recording/observation be stopped at any time, and that I may withdraw at any time from the session or the research without disadvantage.
- I may ask to see any final visual or written documentation before completion to ensure that I am satisfied with the accuracy of any relevant content and with its inclusion in the research.
Participant’s signature……………………………………Date…………………………….
I certify that I have explained the study to the volunteer and consider that she/he understands what is involved and freely consents to participation.
Researcher’s name:
Researcher’s signature: Date:
Appendix 3 – The Body Appreciation Scale (Avalos, Tylka and Wood-Barcalow, 2005)
Thank you for your participation. The questionnaire is confidential and anonymous.Pleasecomplete the questionnaire by choosing how you would rate yourself from 1= Never; to 5= Always.
Age:…… Gender:…… Year:…… How long have you been dancing for: ………..
| 1- Never | 2 – Rarely | 3 – Sometimes | 4 – Often | 5 – Always | |
| 1. I respect my body | | | | | |
| 2. I feel good about my body | | | | | |
| 3. On the whole I am satisfied with my body | | | | | |
| 4. Despite its flaws, I accept my body for what it is | | | | | |
| 5. I feel that my body has at least some good qualities | | | | | |
| 6. I take positive attitude toward my body | | | | | |
| 7. I am attentive to my body’s needs | | | | | |
| 8. My self- worth is independent of my body shape or weight | | | | | |
| 9. I do not focus a lot of energy being concerned with my body shape or weight | | | | | |
| 10. My feelings toward my body are positive, for the most part | | | | | |
| 11. I engage in healthy behaviors to take care of my body | | | | | |
| 12. I do not allow unrealistically thin images of women presented in the media to affect my attitude towards my body | | | | | |
| 13. Despite its imperfections, I still like my body | | | | | |
Appendix 4 – The Dancer body perception (Price & Pettijohn, 2006)
Thank you for your participation. The questionnaire is confidential and anonymous.Pleasecomplete the questionnaire by choosing how you would rate yourself from strongly disagree; to strongly agree.
Age: …. Gender: …… Year: …… How long have you been dancing for: ………
| Strongly disagree | Disagree | Neutral | Agree | Strongly Agree | |
| 1. I like my body. | | | | | |
| 2. My body is muscular | | | | | |
| 3. Given the chance, there is nothing I would change about my body | | | | | |
| 4. Compared to normal society (outside of the dance world), I fall on the thin side | | | | | |
| 5. In the dance world, I fall on the thin side | | | | | |
| 6. I am a good dancer. | | | | | |
| 7. My body is right for dancing. | | | | | |
| 8. Compared to others in the class, I feel comfortable with my body. | |||||
| 9. Compared to others in the class, I feel comfortable with my dancing | | | | | |
| 10. I enjoy looking at myself in the mirror during class |
SECTION D To be completed by the School Ethics Committee:
ETHICS REVIEW FEEDBACK FORM (Review feedback should be completed within 10 working days)
Name of applicant: ……………………………………………………………………………………..
School: …………………………………………….………
Research project title:
Comments by the reviewer:
| 1. Evaluation of the ethics of the proposal: |
| 2. Evaluation of the participant information sheet and consent form: |
| 3. Recommendation: (see notes in Appendix 1) (Please indicate as appropriate and advise on any conditions. If there are any conditions, the applicant will be required to resubmit his/her application, and this will be sent to the same reviewer). Approved – no conditions attached Approved with minor conditions (no need to resubmit) Approved; but conditional upon the following – please use additional sheets if necessary (please re-submit application) Rejected for the following reason(s) – please use other side if necessary Further advice/notes – please use other side if necessary If UREC guidance is required, please see below |
Signature Chair of Research Institute Ethics Committee:
Date:
This form should then be filed on the student’s / staff’s record
There are significant ethical issues which require further guidance from UREC
If in the judgement of the committee there are significant ethical issues for which there is not agreed practice, then further ethical consideration is required before approval can be given and the proposal with the committee’s comments should be forwarded to the secretary of the UREC for University consideration.
Signature Chair of School / Research Institute Ethics Committee:
Date:
This form together with the recommendation and a copy of the research proposal should then be submitted to the University Research Ethics Committee
Appendix 1. Notes
Notification of Ethics Review Decision
The Ethics Review Committee should make a decision within a short period of time (typically within 10 days). The Ethics Review Committee should inform the applicant of the committee’s decision in writing (e.g. an email – the record should be kept for audit trail purposes) and provide clear instructions back to the applicant – i.e. stating if the application has:
- Approved – no conditions attached: Application has been approved unconditionally (the project can go ahead with no changes); or
- Approved with minor conditions (no need to resubmit): Application has been approved with suggestions (the project can go ahead but the applicant may wish to consider suggestions made by the reviewer(s); these, however, are optional); or
- Approved but conditional upon the following: Application has been approved subject to required changes being made e.g. to the information sheet (the project cannot go ahead until required changes have been made; the reviewer(s) must see the revised version of the application and subsequently approve it); or
- Rejected: Application has not been approved (the project cannot proceed, for reasons that should be clearly specified by the reviewer(s)).
It is advised that the “Ethics Review Feedback Form” be completed and returned to the applicant via email.
Ethics Record Storage
In respect of staff and postgraduate researcher research projects, ethics records should be securely stored for up to three years following the completion of their research projects.
In respect of undergraduate/postgraduate-taught researcher research projects stored for up to one year following the completion of their research projects (this is standard practice in other Universities).
Ethics records should be securely archived in an environment that enables continued access. Further guidance on how to preserve records and ensure continued access in the medium to long-term can be obtained from the University’s Secretariat. The Ethics Administrator should store the paperwork electronically wherever possible.
Note on the procedure for reviewing research ethics applications from UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE-TAUGHT students undertaking sufficiently distinct research projects:
The key implication of this procedure for record keeping is that the Ethics Review Committee should provide the Ethics Administrator with an electronic copy of all the applications which s/he classed as LOW risk plus a copy of the decisions s/he took in relation to them.
