Determining the Role of Social and Community Development in Managing Teenage Pregnancy in the UK - Research Proposal Example

 ETHICS APPLICATION FORM- SWK 2005 Assignment Two1 SECTION 3: PROJECT DETAILS Title of project (maximum 20 words): Teenage Pregnancy in the UK Proposed start date: Please note that the review process usually takes up to 4 weeks. 14 May 2015 Duration of study: One to two months Summary of proposed project: Summarise purpose and outline of project in a style which is accessible to the non-expert. Maximum 200 words. This research proposes to investigate The Issue Of Teenage Pregnancy In The UK with a view to determining the role of social and community development in managing teenage pregnancy. The rationale for this topic is motivated by reports that teenage pregnancy in the UK is higher than in the rest of Europe and correlates with deprivation (Spencer, 2001). Studies conducted on teenage pregnancy in the UK reveal that teenage pregnancy is more prevalent in deprived communities with little social capital (Spencer, 2001; McCulloch, 2001). In particular, teenage pregnancy in the UK is linked to unemployment and school drop-out rates (Spencer, 2001). However, a study conducted by Crosby and Holtgrave (2006) reveals that low income and poverty while significantly linked to teenage pregnancy, social capital had a stronger influence on teenage pregnancy. Therefore, the role of social and community development appears to have a significant link to teenage pregnancy in the UK and should form the basis of further research. The proposed study will be conducted using a mixed methods research in that both qualitative and quantitative data will be collected and analysed. The qualitative data consists of 5 interviews and the quantitative data consist of at least 50 surveys. The sample population will consist of mothers who were pregnant as teens. Social capital theory will be used as a conceptual framework for analysing the data collected. Background and purpose of the proposed project: This section should include the material which outlines the rationale for the project, i.e. why this study needs to be done. This should be done in a way that is both accessible and scholarly, i.e. have proper cited sources. Maximum length: 500 words. This study is important because the UK is second only to the US in teenage pregnancy rates among all developed nations (Kmietowicz, 2002). Meanwhile the UK has the largest teenage pregnancy rates in all of Europe (Kmietowicz, 2002). Teenage pregnancy is regarded as an important social issue for a number of reasons. The main reason teenage pregnancy is perceived as an important issue is the risk of health to the pregnant teen who seeks to hide the pregnancy or terminate the pregnancy or who engages in risky behaviour that subjects the foetus to the risk of harm (Bonell, 2004). Other facts attributable to the characterization of teenage pregnancy as a major social problem is the welfare services required to support the teen mother and the infant once born (Bonell, 2004). Teenage pregnancy is also said to interfere with the teen mother’s education and thus employment opportunities and as such perpetuates poverty (Bonell, 2004). This research study is therefore important because it investigates the role of social capital and community development in teenage pregnancy rates. The results of the proposed study can therefore contribute toward solutions through social and community development for decreasing rates of teenage pregnancy in the UK. At the very least the results of this study can identify areas for further research on the link between social and community development and teenage pregnancy in the UK. Social capital theory will be used in this research. Raffo and Reeves (2000) application of social capital theory suggests that social capital systems function to support and restrain the actions of young people. Young people sit at the centre of a system comprised of social, spatial, cultural, temporal and economic networks or social relationships (Raffo and Reeves, 2000). These systems are directly linked to the trajectory of the young person’s growth and development (Raffo and Reeves, 2000). Webster, et al., (2004) interpret and apply social capital theory by dividing it into two concepts: bonding and bridging. In this regard, bonding social capital theory involves looking internally for identity and bridging social capital theory involves looking externally for identity (Webster, et al., 2004). Bonding social capital will help young people to ‘get by’ and bridging social capital will help young people to ‘get on’ (Holland, 2008: 8). Through bonding social capital, young people are able to form significant bonds with one another (Webster, et al., 2004). While these social bonds might be good for social inclusion, they constrain young people to peer related constraints. Young people in bonding social capital constraints are less inclined to look for opportunities outside of their group. With bridging social capital, young people have greater access to external sources and opportunities for growth and development (Webster, et al., 2004). Outline of the project: This section should include the details of the methodology i.e. what will be done and how. Use of standard subheadings is recommended for more complex projects (design, participants, materials, procedures, ethics, data analysis). Maximum length: 500 words (for complex, larger studies up to 1,000 words) Research Design The proposed study will use a mixed methods research design. A mixed methods research design involves the collection and merging of both quantitative and qualitative data for optimum reliability in the research results (Creswell and Clark, 2011). When a mixed methods research design is used, the strengths of one data set will often offset and compliment the weaknesses and strengths of the other data set (Creswell and Clark, 2011). For example, quantitative data usually involves the collection of measurable statistical data from a relatively large population sample and therefore involves close-ended instruments such as surveys and questionnaires (Creswell and Clark, 2011). Qualitative data on the other hand usually involve the collection of data from small population sample sizes through open-ended instruments such as interviews. This data is usually detailed and thus compensates for the lack of detail in quantitative data. Likewise, the large sample size in quantitative data compensates for the small sample size used in in qualitative data (Creswell and Clark, 2011). The proposed research will benefit from the complimentary and compensative nature of using both quantitative and qualitative data through the use of surveys and interviews. Sampling A snowball sampling technique will be used for identifying participants for the proposed research. A snowball sampling technique involves contacting a potential subject and identifying other possible participants through that contact and so on until the appropriate participants have been identified (Lewis-Beck, et al., 2004). The snowball sampling technique is especially useful for identifying socially occluded or concealed populations (Lewis-Beck, et al., 2004). Since teenage pregnancy is a private and personal issue, snowball sampling is appropriate for identifying potential participants in the study. The researcher is personal friends with three women who were pregnant while teens and will contact these individuals with a view to identifying more mothers who were pregnant as teens. Ethical issues raised by the project and how these will be addressed: If no ethical issues are raised by this study, it is important to explain why. Maximum length: 500 words. In complying with research ethics, the sample participating in the proposed study will be over the age of 18 and thus will be able to give their consent to participation in the study. In all research involving human subjects, consent must be competent and voluntary (Elliot and Stern, 1997). Voluntariness will be accomplished through ensuring that the participants are not pressured in any way to take part in the study. The participants will also be informed of the nature of the study and their right to withdraw from the study at any time after they consent. Research ethics also require that the participants’ right to privacy are protected (Elliot and Stern, 1997). Thus the participants’ identity will not be revealed in the research report. Moreover, the data collected will be stored in a facility to which the researcher alone has access. Six months after the publication of the research report, the data will be destroyed. SECTION 4: PARTICIPANTS Full details of recruitment of participants, consent procedures and debriefing (if applicable) are required here. Ensure that you attach letters and forms used in connection with recruitment, consenting and debriefing. This may include letters of invitation, recruitment posters, information sheet, consent form, thank you and debrief note. You should consider carefully what information you provide to participants, e.g. scope of study, number of participants, duration of study, risks/benefits of the project. It is recommended that the participant has two copies of the consent form so they can retain one for information. Describe potential benefits to participants (e.g. report of health status). The participants will be recruited via a consent letter explaining the nature of the study and the fact that it might contribute to improved support for single mothers who become pregnant as teens and support for their children who suffer through the cycle of poverty and teen pregnancies. The consent letter will be sent by email and land mail asking the potential participants to sign the form if they consent to participate. The interviews will be arranged at the convenience of the participants and will be conducted at a neutral place and expected to take 30 minutes. The surveys will be short and simple and the participants will complete the surveys privately. There are no risks associated with the research aside from the usual discomfort associated with completing a survey or participating in interviews. Will you be using vulnerable or at risk participants (e.g. under 18s, older adults, people with learning disabilities)? YES  NO X Will you be using participants who might be considered to be vulnerable (please give details if not addressed elsewhere on this form)? YES  NO X If you have answered Yes please refer to the Ethics Guidelines and highlight the particular issues raised by working with these participants and how these issues have been addressed. Click here to enter text. Details of DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check: Has DBS check been carried out? YES  NO  Not applicable X Approved? YES  NO  Pending  Further comments (optional): SECTION 5: HEALTH AND SAFETY You should be able to demonstrate that appropriate mechanisms are in place for the research to be carried out safely. If necessary the Dissertation Module Leader should be consulted before the application is submitted. Will ‘human tissue’ samples be stored? YES  NO  Not applicable X What action will be taken to ensure that these samples are stored ethically and in accordance with the Human Tissue Act? SECTION 6: STORAGE OF DATA Research data must normally be retained intact for a period of at least ten years from the date of any publication which is based upon it. Researchers should be aware that specific professional bodies and research councils may require a longer period of data retention.’ It is important to distinguish between retention of electronic, anonymised data and personal details allowing identification and tracking of individuals. Describe how and where the following data will be stored and how they will be kept secure: Raw and processed data This data will be in the sole possession and custody of the researcher. Documents containing personal details of any participants. This data will be in the sole possession and custody of the researcher. SECTION 7: ANY OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION? This section provides an opportunity to add any other relevant information which you consider to be important. Max 200 words. In the collection and analysis of the empirical data, social capital theories will be used. Social capital theory, and in particular bridging social capital theory appears to be an important means of analysing and understanding teenage pregnancy. As Gold, et al., (2002) explain, where social capital is low, ‘informal social support systems’ are weakened to the extent that teens do not feel connected on a social level (Gold, et al., 2002: 78). This disconnect is largely impacted by low income, poverty and inequality within communities and is in turn, linked to teenage pregnancy (Gold, et al., 2002). A lack of informal institutional social support leads to teenage occlusion in poor and low-income communities (Furstenberg and Hughes, 1995). This research study therefore proposes to test the hypothesis that poor and low-income communities lacking social capital lead to teenage pregnancy. The hypothesis will be tested through the collection and analysis of survey data. The survey will consist of questions designed to measure social capital factors such as networking, community support and institutional support. SECTION 8: CHECKLIST Please read through the checklist and check the relevant boxes to confirm: NB. this checklist is part of the Ethics Application and must be completed Project Details Have you completed all sections of this form? Yes X Working with Participants Have you provided documents relevant to recruitment as appendices? (This may include: invitation letter to participants, information sheet, consent form, debriefing form, leaflets or posters). Yes X If you work with at risk individuals or your study carries at least moderate risks to participants, have you fully considered these issues and provided plans on how to manage these risks? Yes  Health and Safety Have you completed the Risk Assessment form describing the risks associated with your project and how you will implement control measures to address these? Yes  If your project involves interviews in a participant’s home or lone-working have you explained the risks and control measures in the risk assessment? (E.g. advising a colleague/supervisor of the timings of visits, ringing before/ after interview and developing a contingency plan if contact is not made)? Yes X NA  Storage of Data Have you stated what data will be stored (full data set including names and contact details, anonymised data only) and how long you will store it for? Yes X Applicant’s Confirmation Have you signed and dated the document? Yes  If you are a student, has your supervisor checked and signed your application form before submission? Yes  NA  Ethics Approval Process - Please note: that the Ethics Application Form will be approved by your School and the University Ethics Committee may be asked to advise on problematic cases. that you may be asked by the Ethics Committee/Administrator to make revisions to your form; please ensure to complete these revisions within two weeks from the date of requesting these changes. Important: YOU MUST NOT START RECRUITMENT AND DATA COLLECTION UNTIL YOUR ETHICS APPLICATION HAS BEEN APPROVED. SECTION 9: APPLICANT’S CONFIRMATION I confirm that the information supplied on this form is correct and confirm that the above checklist has been fully completed. Applicant’s signature: Click here to enter text. Please use an electronic signature or type your name Date: Click here to enter text. SECTION 10: FOR STUDENTS ONLY SUPERVISOR’S SIGNATURE The Supervisor is required to: scrutinise the Ethics Application and all participant-facing documentation. suggest and check any changes which need making before the form is submitted. Please tick the box to confirm that you have approved the application and participant-facing documentation  Signature: Sukhwinder Singh Please use an electronic signature or type your name Print name: Dr Sukhwinder Singh Date: 7th April 2015 The Application Form does not need to be printed out. The form and attachments should be submitted via Turnitin by 7th April 2015 References & Appendices (Participant Information Sheet, Consent Form, Research Instruments) Consent Form I _______________________ agree to participate in an interview/survey on the role of social and community development in teenage pregnancy in the UK. I have been informed that this study might benefit my or my child/children and/or my community by providing data that could contribute to support for me and my children, teenagers who become pregnant and the wider community. I have also been informed that my identity will not be revealed and that I am free to withdraw from the study at any time after consenting. Participant’s Signature Researcher’s Signature Date References Bonell, C. (2004). ‘Why is teenage pregnancy conceptualized as a social problem?: A review of quantitative research from the USA and UK.’ Culture, Health and Sexuality: An International Journal for Research, Intervention and Care, 6(3): 255-272. Creswell, J.W. and Clark, V.L.P. (2011). Designing and conducting mixed methods research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. Crosby, R.A. and Holtgrave, D.R. (May 2006). ‘The protective value of social capital against teen pregnancy.’ Journal of Adolescent Health, 38(5): 556-559. Elliott, D. and Stern, J.E. (1997). Research ethics: A reader. Hanover, NH: University Press of New England. Furstenberg, F.F., Jr. and Hughes, M.E. (August 1995). ‘Social capital and successful development among at-risk youth.’ Journal of Marriage and Family, 57(3): 580-592. Gold, R.; Kennedy, B.; Connell, F. and Kawachi, I. (June 2002). ‘Teen births, income inequality, and social capital: Developing an understanding of causal pathway.’ Health and Place, 8(2): 77-83. Holland, J. (September 2008). ‘Young people and social capital: What can it do for us?’ Families and Social Capital Research Group Working Paper, No. 24: 1-20. Kmietowicz, Z. (June 2002). ‘US and UK are top in teenage pregnancy rates.’ British Medical Journal, 324: 7350. Lewis-Beck, M.S.; Bryman, A.E. and Liao, T.F. (2004). The SAGE encyclopedia of social science research methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. McCulloch, A. (2001). ‘Teenage childbearing in Great Britain and spatial concentration of poverty households.’ Journal of Epidemiol Community Health, 55: 16-23. Raffo, C. and Reeves, M. (2000). ‘Youth transitions and social exclusion: Developments in social capital theory.’ Journal of Youth Studies, 3(2): 147-166. Spencer, N. (2001). ‘The social patterning of teenage pregnancy.’ Journal of Epidemiol Community Health, 55: 5. Webster, H.; Simpson, D.; MacDonald, R.; Abbas, A.; Cieslik, M.; Shildrick, T. and Simpson, M. (2004). Poor transitions: Social exclusion and young adults. Bristol: The Policy Press for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. SECTION 11: REC Feedback Form 1.  Accepted with no amendments 2.  Accepted with minor amendments (staff submit amended form to REC officer, students to return amended form to supervisor for approval) 3.  Accepted with major amendments (to be returned to the ethics committee via SoH REC Officer: mags.bichanicz@northampton.ac.uk) 4.  Rejected Requirements, recommendations and comments: Click here to enter text. Signature: Representative Ethics Committee       Please use an electronic signature Print name: Date:       Read More