To identify prospective participants ethically, is it ethically acceptable to engage with some individuals or their community before seeking REB review and approval of the research project?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not allowed
• D. Only after approval

Answer: (A)

Engaging with potential participants or the community before REB review is appropriate to lay groundwork for an ethically sound study. This early contact helps you understand community norms, concerns, and information needs, and can clarify who might be eligible and how best to present materials. The goal is to design a respectful, feasible study and to anticipate risks or burdens so that once you seek approval, the protocol, consent documents, and recruitment materials are accurate and considerate.

Key point: these conversations should not involve collecting data, conducting assessments, or recruiting participants, and they must not imply that participation is approved or guaranteed. They should be clearly framed as groundwork, separate from the formal research activities that require ethics approval. When done properly, pre-REB engagement supports ethical design and can proceed before formal review.