Q: How do I get an ethical approval without being affiliated with any institute?

First of all, it’s great to know that you are an independent researcher. Working on your own, without institutional affiliations, must be challenging yet rewarding.

Coming to your question, regulations regarding what type of study requires ethical approval vary across countries. However, for most indexed journals, it is mandatory for every submission to include an ethical approval statement if the study involves animals or human participants. Being an independent researcher does not change this requirement. Further, even if the study does not involve interventions, it will require ethical review if it involves human participants. In surveys or the type of study you are referring to, where there is no risk of physical harm to individuals who participate, there can still be risks of informational or psychological harm or there could be participants with diminished autonomy. Additionally, aspects like voluntary participation, informed consent, and anonymity and/or confidentiality might need to be in place. Note that consent to a treatment or intervention should not be confused with consent to publish.

To avoid rejection of your article by a journal on the grounds of no or inadequate ethics approval, it is important to ensure ethical oversight. Once the appropriate body or committee assesses the study, they can decide if ethical approval is indeed necessary or can be waived, depending on the type of study and relevant issues.

As an independent researcher, you may find it difficult to know whom to approach for ethics approval. You could contact nearby universities or institutions that have an ethics review board and inquire if they are willing to oversee ethical aspects of your study. In the worst case, they will refuse to cater to an independent researcher, but there is no harm in trying. :) Also, you may want to explore independent ethics committees (IECs) in your country. This might be the best option for seeking the ethics overview of the study in your case.

It may also interest you to know about some other scenarios pertaining to ethics committee approvals.

• Are there any restrictions on submitting to the APA if the IRB exemption is received?
• Is IRB approval required for a retrospective study?

On similar lines, you’ll probably empathize with these other dilemmas faced by indie researchers.

• Would my being an independent researcher diminish the value of my work?
• Can I publish an SCI paper as an independent researcher?

And to end on a more positive note, you may find this mini-chronicle by a senior independent researcher especially encouraging: From nuclear engineering to independent research

Hope (all) that helps. All the best for (the ethical approval of) your study! And more power to you!