This type of project is quite common in our institution. The methodology to
be followed is:
Not only do DPA considerations have to be taken into account, but also all
academic research has to have ethical approval ( as does teaching);
All research subjects give informed consent, which must meet both the DPA
requirements for informed consent but also the ethical requirements. This
means that the purpose of the research has to be fully explained, the
confidentiality procedures and any disclosures;
Published research results, i.e. Thesis, should not contain any personal
data unless further consent has been obtained and, if necessary, further
ethical approval;
Research results should not be used to make decisions about any individual
or harm any individual;
Members of staff are bound by the confidentiality requirements of the
research.
In view of the above, I not consider the obtaining of names to contravene
the second principle and the exemption for research purposes.
I have far more worries over research falling outside the terms of academic
research.
Mike Lloyd
Assistant Head(ISeLS)
> From: Graham Hadfield <[log in to unmask]>
> Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
> Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2004 14:13:22 +0000
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Use of data for questionnaires
>
> The scenario:
> An employee is doing a part time MBA course at a local university,
> supported by the employer. Part of the course involves a study of some
> aspect of management within the workplace. In order to choose people to
> take part in the survey the employee either:
> 1. obtains an extract of a number of fellow employees from the
> personnel/payroll system
> 2. picks names at random from the internal telephone directory
> 3. sends questionnaire to colleagues with whom (s)he has just happened to
> work with from time to time.
>
> The questions:
> 1. What is the legality/illegality of these methods as far as DPA 1998
> goes?
> 2. Does it make a difference if the results of the survey will be used by
> the employer?
>
> Regards,
> Graham
>
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