ethical approval

USAGE SUMMARY

"ethical approval" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used in the context of research, studies and experiments to indicate the approval of the ethical board in regards to the methods and techniques used. For example, "The project could not go ahead until it had gained ethical approval from the university ethics board."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The regional ethics committee granted ethical approval.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Did the study have ethical approval?

The Guardian

Ethical approval was obtained.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Local ethical approval was granted.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Ethical approval was not required.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

This waiver equals ethical approval.

Annals of Intensive Care

This study does not require ethical approval.

Earth, Planets and Space

Informed consent and ethical approval was obtained.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

The study did not require ethical approval.

Insights into Imaging

Ethical approval was obtained in all articles.

Sports Medicine - Open

Ethical approval was gained from the Ethical Approval Committee /College of Medicine / University of Al-Nahrain

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a research paper or proposal, clearly state where and when you obtained "ethical approval", including the name of the approving body and any reference numbers.

Common error

Not all studies involving human subjects require full "ethical approval". Some may qualify for exemptions or expedited review, especially if they involve minimal risk or use anonymized data. Always check with your institution's IRB or ethics committee to determine the appropriate level of review.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethical approval" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "obtain ethical approval", "require ethical approval") or as a subject complement. As shown in Ludwig, it designates that a project or study has been formally sanctioned by an ethical body.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ethical approval" is a crucial term, particularly in scientific and research contexts, signifying that a project has been vetted and approved by an ethics committee. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It indicates compliance with ethical standards and the protection of human subjects. While very common in academic and scientific writing, understanding when it's required, how to obtain it, and alternative ways to express the concept are essential for clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Human research ethics approval

Specifies that the approval pertains to research involving human subjects.

Ethics committee clearance

Emphasizes the clearance or permission granted by an ethics committee.

Institutional review board approval

Refers specifically to approval from an institutional review board, focusing on the approving body.

Research ethics board approval

Specifically names the approval as originating from a research ethics board.

Ethics review board consent

Highlights the consent given by an ethics review board, focusing on the consent aspect.

Ethical compliance

A more concise way to refer to adhering to ethical requirements.

Compliance with ethical guidelines

Shifts the focus to adherence to established ethical guidelines, rather than specific approval.

Adherence to ethical standards

Similar to compliance, but emphasizes the overall ethical standards followed.

Informed consent obtained

Highlights the process of obtaining informed consent from participants, a key component of ethical research.

Regulatory approval

A broader term that can encompass ethical approval along with other types of regulatory permissions.

FAQs

What does "ethical approval" mean in research?

"Ethical approval" signifies that a research project has been reviewed and approved by an ethics committee or Institutional Review Board (IRB), ensuring it meets established ethical standards and protects the rights and welfare of human participants.

When is "ethical approval" not required?

"Ethical approval" is often not required for studies that use publicly available data, quality improvement projects, or those that are deemed to pose minimal risk to participants. However, it's crucial to consult with your institution's IRB to confirm if an exemption applies.

What is the process for obtaining "ethical approval"?

The process typically involves submitting a detailed research proposal to an ethics committee or IRB, which will review the study's design, methodology, and potential risks to participants. The committee may request revisions before granting "ethical approval".

What are the alternatives to saying "ethical approval"?

You can use alternatives like "ethics committee clearance", "institutional review board approval", or "research ethics board approval", depending on the specific context and approving body.