LGU

Ethics in Research

LGU is dedicated to maintaining the highest ethical standards in research involving human participants. Thesis and Senior projects are valuable learning experiences for students, allowing them to apply academic principles in real-world settings. However, this comes with the responsibility to ensure that the rights, dignity, and welfare of participants are respected throughout the research process. Those Ethical Guidelines set clear expectations for respect, informed consent, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that students conduct their research with integrity and in alignment with LGU’s core values.

1. Respect for Participants and their Cultural Context

Students are required to uphold respect for all individuals and communities involved in their research, valuing their cultural beliefs and practices. Researchers must also adhere to the scientific and academic standards outlined in LGU’s Research Guide.

2. Protection of Privacy, Confidentiality, and Dignity

Research must safeguard the privacy, confidentiality, and dignity of all participants. Students should strive to maximize benefits and minimize risks for participants, including physical and psychological impacts.

3. Shared Responsibility and Accountability

All individuals responsible for the research project including students, supervisors, and research committee members—must collectively make decisions related to the research, bearing full accountability for its outcomes.

4. Mandatory Informed Consent

Prior to involving participants in research, obtaining informed consent is essential. For studies involving vulnerable groups (e.g., children, elderly individuals, or people with intellectual disabilities), consent must be secured from the appropriate legal guardian or tutor.

5. Transparent Communication in Consent Forms

Consent forms should explicitly communicate research objectives, any external funding sources, and the names of LGU researchers supervising the project. Additionally, the form must outline any potential positive or negative effects, advantages, and risks of participation. Consent must be obtained before data collection begins and prior to using collected data in publications or presentations.

6. Right to Withdraw

Students must acknowledge participants' rights to withdraw from the study at any stage, with no adverse consequences or penalties for doing so.

7. Integrity and Academic Honesty

Research objectives, methods, and conclusions should be transparently shared with the LGU community, adhering to a 25% similarity rate to avoid plagiarism. Intellectual property must be respected by crediting all sources, and all work must be original. Projects or components completed by third parties are strictly prohibited and will be treated as academic misconduct.

8. Acknowledgment of Informed Consent in Publications

All publications derived from the research should clearly state that informed consent was obtained from participants and note LGU affiliation for all authors involved.

9. Confidentiality and Attribution in Research Contributions

Publications must ensure participant confidentiality, while recognizing the contributions of those directly engaged in research activities. Proper acknowledgment not only respects the work of all involved but also upholds ethical research standards.

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