Problems and Solution Suggestions Encountered in the Permission and Ethical Committee Approval Processes of Scientific Research Conducted by Academics in Schools: A Case Study

Abstract

This study aims to identify the problems and propose solutions in the processes of obtaining necessary permissions from the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) and its affiliated units, as well as ethical approval from university research and publication ethics committees, for the scientific research that academics in faculties of education intend to conduct in schools. Using a case study design, a total of 22 academics were selected through maximum diversity and snowball sampling methods. As a result of the data analysis, four main themes and a total of 19 sub-themes were identified: lack of legal knowledge regarding permission and approval processes in scientific research, issues arising from the permission process linked to MoNE, issues arising from the approval process linked to university ethics committees, and solutions proposed for permission and approval processes. The findings indicate that problems stemming from regulations and implementation in permission and approval processes can adversely affect the quantity, quality, and diversity of scientific research conducted in schools, significantly limiting academic freedoms. Drawing from the relevant literature, the research results are discussed and several recommendations are proposed for practitioners. Additionally, researchers are encouraged to conduct studies using different research methods and forming diverse study groups to investigate the issues experienced in permission and approval processes.