"Unless proposed research has merit, and the researchers who are to carry out the research have integrity, the involvement of human participants in the research cannot be ethically justifiable." (NS, preamble)"
1. 1 Research that has merit is:
1. (a) justifiable by its potential benefit, which may include its contribution to knowledge and understanding, to improved social welfare and individual wellbeing, and to the skill and expertise of researchers. What constitutes potential benefit and whether it justifies research may sometimes require consultation with the relevant communities
1. (b) designed or developed using methods appropriate for achieving the aims of the proposal
1. (c) based on a thorough study of the current literature, as well as previous studies. This does not exclude the possibility of novel research for which there is little or no literature available, or research requiring a quick response to an unforeseen situation
1. (d) designed to ensure that respect for the participants is not compromised by the aims of the research, by the way it is carried out, or by the results
1. (e) conducted or supervised by persons or teams with experience, qualifications and competence that are appropriate for the research
1. (f ) conducted using facilities and resources appropriate for the research.
1. 2 Where prior peer review has judged that a project has research merit, the question of its research merit is no longer subject to the judgement of those ethically reviewing the research.
1. 3 Research that is conducted with integrity is carried out by researchers with a commitment to:
1. (a) searching for knowledge and understanding
1. (b) following recognised principles of research conduct
1. (c) conducting research honestly
1. (d) disseminating and communicating results, whether favourable or unfavourable, in ways that permit scrutiny and contribute to public knowledge and understanding."(NS
1. 1-
1. 3)