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Organization (HTO) board) the requirements for informed consent, informant confidentiality, as well as adhering to protocols established by a university or research
licensing agency. Clarity of format and wording are essential on written consent
forms, and providing the option for verbal consent may be appropriate. Important
information to include would be the researcher’s contact details, a project
description, what project involvement entails for the participant, and how the
information shared will be treated and used. Gain broader consent from umbrella
organizations or community representatives; however, this does not replace the
necessity of individual consent.
Conflict resolution – Jointly decide how to suspend (temporarily or permanently) the research project should the community(ies) involved have concerns
part way through the project. Perhaps develop a contingency plan in the case
that conflict may arise.
Data control – Make sure there is clear understanding and agreement on the
control of data and research results, their storage and release. Clarify who will
have access to the data and when, as well as how and to whom research data
may be distributed. It is particularly important to make clear procedures for
releasing controversial or potentially alarming research results to the media.
Give recognition – Give credit to community members who have worked on
the project and whose knowledge or information shared may form the basis of
the study. This includes citations or potential co-authorship, in an appropriate
format for academic journals or other publications.
Financial compensation – Establish compensation guidelines/rates for project participants, contributors, assistants, and/or interpreters. The northern research institutes can offer guidance on appropriate compensation rates for
research assistants, translators, and informants in each region.
Community involvement – Develop an agreement with community members
or organizations on the level and extent of community involvement (including
hiring and training requirements/opportunities, and communications) that you
hope the project will achieve. Set realistic and measurable objectives that reflect
the need to balance local involvement with the need to maintain scientific
requirements within a limited project budget.
A communication plan – Work this out in the early stages of the project and
consult community or regional organizations on appropriate methods for communication. In most cases communities should hear the results of information
that they provided before hearing it in southern media, journals, conferences,
etc. Community members want to hear back from researchers directly or local
residents involved in the research. However, in some exceptional cases where
research may be sensitive or controversial southern researchers may not be the
best individuals to communicate the results.
A G UIDE F OR R ESEARCHERS
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