Research Ethics Framework: Principles, Protocols, and Participant Protection Standards
Commitment: All Dating Hub Research studies adhere to these ethical standards. Violations can be reported to ethics@dating-hub.com.au
Introduction & Purpose
1.1 Ethical Framework Foundation
This document establishes the ethical standards governing all research conducted by Dating Hub Research. Our framework is built upon internationally recognized principles of research ethics while adapting to the unique considerations of digital relationship research.
Core Ethical Principles:
Respect for Persons
Autonomy, informed consent, and protection of vulnerable populations
Beneficence
Maximizing benefits while minimizing potential harms to participants
Justice
Fair distribution of research burdens and benefits across populations
Transparency
Clear disclosure of methods, limitations, and potential conflicts
1.2 Scope & Application
These standards apply to all research activities including surveys, interviews, data analysis, platform studies, and publication of findings. Compliance is mandatory for all research team members and collaborators.
Participant Protection Protocols
2.1 Informed Consent Requirements
| Element | Standard Requirement | Digital Adaptation | Verification Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Disclosure | Study purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, alternatives | Clear digital presentation, scroll confirmation, FAQ section | Completion check, comprehension questions |
| Voluntary Participation | No coercion, right to withdraw without penalty | Easy opt-out mechanisms, no data retention penalties | Withdrawal tracking, exit survey option |
| Understanding | Participant comprehension of key elements | Simplified language, interactive explanations | Knowledge check questions, clarification option |
| Documentation | Signed consent form | Digital signature, checkbox confirmation with timestamp | Automated logging, participant copy provision |
2.2 Vulnerable Populations Protection
Minors
Excluded from all studies. Age verification through multiple methods. Minimum participant age: 18 years.
Emotionally Vulnerable
Screening for recent relationship trauma. Exit resources provided. Option to skip sensitive questions.
Non-Native Speakers
Clear language requirements. Translation available for key consent elements. Comprehension checks.
Technologically Limited
Alternative participation methods. Technical support. No exclusion based on digital literacy.
2.3 Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Examples: General dating preferences, platform usage patterns
Mitigation: Clear content warnings, skip options, debriefing resources
Examples: Relationship conflicts, boundary negotiations, rejection experiences
Mitigation: Progressive disclosure, support resources, optional counseling referral
Examples: Intimate relationship details, past trauma, sensitive preferences
Mitigation: Expert review required, enhanced consent process, mandatory support resources
Data Privacy & Security Standards
3.1 Data Protection Principles
Anonymization Protocol
- Direct Identifiers: Names, emails, phone numbers removed immediately
- Indirect Identifiers: Rare demographics aggregated or generalized
- Pseudonymization: Study IDs replace personal identifiers
- Re-identification Protection: Data combinations limited to prevent identification
Security Measures
- Encryption: Data encrypted at rest and in transit (AES-256)
- Access Control: Role-based permissions, multi-factor authentication
- Audit Logging: All data access tracked and reviewed quarterly
- Data Minimization: Only necessary data collected and retained
3.2 Data Retention & Deletion
| Data Type | Retention Period | Deletion Protocol | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Response Data | 6 months post-study | Secure deletion, verification required | Required for audit purposes |
| Anonymized Research Data | 5 years minimum | Available for replication requests | Public dataset availability |
| Consent Documentation | 7 years | Archival storage, limited access | Legal requirement |
| Analytical Outputs | Indefinite | Published findings preserved | Scientific record |
3.3 Participant Data Rights
Access Right
Participants may request copies of their data within 30 days
Deletion Right
Participants may request data deletion (with exceptions for published research)
Correction Right
Participants may request correction of inaccurate personal data
Withdrawal Right
Participants may withdraw consent at any time without penalty
Research Integrity Standards
4.1 Methodological Rigor
Transparency Requirements
- Full disclosure of methodology in all publications
- Clear reporting of limitations and potential biases
- Data availability statements for replication
- Funding sources and conflicts of interest disclosed
Statistical Standards
- Pre-registration of analysis plans when feasible
- Appropriate statistical methods for research questions
- Clear reporting of effect sizes and confidence intervals
- Correction for multiple comparisons when applicable
4.2 Publication Ethics
Originality
All research represents original work unless explicitly cited
Authorship
Contributorship follows CRediT taxonomy standards
Peer Review
All studies undergo internal review before publication
Corrections
Errors are corrected promptly with clear documentation
4.3 Conflict of Interest Management
All research team members must disclose potential conflicts including:
- Financial interests in dating platforms or related companies
- Personal relationships that could influence research
- Previous employment or consulting in relevant industries
- Funding sources that could create perceived bias
Disclosure Protocol: All conflicts are documented and published alongside research findings.
Implementation & Compliance
5.1 Training Requirements
Initial Training
All research team members complete ethics training before project involvement
Annual Refresher
Yearly ethics updates and case study reviews
Incident Response
Protocol-specific training for handling ethical concerns
5.2 Monitoring & Enforcement
Protocol Audits
Quarterly review of consent processes and data handling
Participant Feedback
Regular surveys of participant experience and ethical concerns
Reporting Mechanism
Anonymous reporting channel for ethical concerns: ethics@dating-hub.com.au
5.3 Document Maintenance
Current Version
2.1 (Effective December 2024)
Next Scheduled Review
December 2025
Revision Process
Annual review by Ethics Committee, with updates based on regulatory changes, technological developments, and incident learnings.
Distribution
Available to all research participants and publicly on our website.
Contact & Additional Resources
Ethics Committee Contact
ethics@dating-hub.com.au
Response within 5 business days
Participant Support
Study-related concerns: support@dating-hub.com.au
Emotional support referrals available