Using institutional data sets for pedagogic research: ethical issues and data protection – Debby Cotton

Debby outlined the fact that there are huge amounts of data available in institutions related to students and much of this could be very useful however, what do we ask for from students in terms of permission when they first sign up to University and what do we tell them we will use the data for? We need to ask who is the research for, why undertake it and is for the institution, for us or, to improve the student experience? If data is being used to enhance the student experience and there is really no evidence of identity then this data can be accessed but ethical clearance would be advised.

Most institutional data has been through no ethical clearance and the data protection act is not thought about. We need to consider our responsibilities around this. The data protection act 1998 governs personal data about living individuals and must be complied with. There are issues around data which when linked to other data or notes can identify individuals or indicates an individual’s opinion. The act covers all paper records, audio, video and electronic. There are clear issues about where data is held and who owns it. Debby gave the example of dropbox which is used by many now however the corporate owners have built into the rules etc that they can access the data so this is an issue.

What is important for any research and data is there is full ethical clearance and a thorough information sheet and consent form for participants. The data protection act requires the data controller identity is given and this is the University, the purpose of the research is clear and how long the data will be kept. The data protection act also has a clear statement about data not being kept longer than is necessary but most institutions have 10 year policies and this is not in keeping with the act as a blanket statement. Data must be processed fairly and lawfully and the individuals engaged in research are responsible under the act not just the institution.

This was a useful session where many have found that although undertaking full ethical clearance can be hard work it is important and makes us all review why we are doing the research and the focus must be on improving/enhancing.