Understanding the Nature and Scope of TCPS 2

The Basics of TCPS 2

The Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2) is a joint policy of Canada’s three federal research agencies – the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). This document serves as a guide to the complex ethical issues that can arise in the different stages of research, from its design to its development, conduct, and reporting. It provides standard procedures and ethical considerations that researchers must follow while conducting research involving humans.

Importance of TCPS 2 in Research

Adopted across all research disciplines, TCPS 2 ensures that researchers respect the dignity and rights of participants. It outlines responsibilities around informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, and fair treatment during the research process. The principles enshrined in the TCPS 2 guide researchers to mitigate risks and to make decisions where the benefit to the public or advancement of the knowledge outweighs potential harm to participants. By adhering to these guidelines, researchers guarantee that their studies are ethically sound and enjoy the trust and confidence of the public.

Who Should Comply with TCPS 2

All researchers conducting studies that involve human subjects, their biological materials, or their data, should comply with TCPS 2. This includes researchers from various fields, such as health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. Furthermore, it applies to student-led projects, faculty research, and any research conducted under the auspices of the institution, not just those funded by one of the three federal research agencies. The policy ensures that respect for persons, concern for welfare, and justice are upheld in all research involving humans.

Researchers Subject to TCPS 2

Health Researchers

In the field of health research, where studies directly impact human health and well-being, adherence to ethical guidelines is paramount. Health researchers often deal with sensitive issues like disease or disability, or work with vulnerable populations, like sick individuals or those with compromised decision-making capacity. Here, researchers must strictly follow the principles outlined in TCPS 2, including those related to informed consent, privacy, and, most importantly, risk-benefit assessment and mitigation. The Policy safeguards both researchers and participants from breaches of privacy, coercion, or harm.

Natural Science and Engineering Researchers

While it might not appear immediately obvious, researchers in natural sciences and engineering who conduct research involving humans are also required to abide by TCPS 2. While the human element might be less prominent, it is still present. It can involve user testing of an engineering prototype or collecting data through surveys or interviews. These researchers must ensure that their recruitment strategies, data collection methods, and dissemination strategies comply with the guidelines outlined by TCPS 2.

Social Sciences and Humanities Researchers

Social scientists and humanities researchers often engage with human subjects to understand human behavior, thoughts, and culture. Whether conducting interviews, fieldwork, or surveys, these researchers are required to follow the principles outlined in TCPS 2 to ensure that they respect the dignity and rights of their participants. The policy provides guidelines for these scholars on issues related to informed consent, participant welfare, confidentiality, and participant recruitment and selection.