CUREG 2.0

11. My research protocol involves home visits to participants. What are CUREG’s recommendations?

For some projects, it is necessary to visit participants’ homes. This can sometimes pose a risk for the researcher. The research supervisor must prioritise the protection of the individuals, especially the students or young researchers, who make the home visit. The CUREG will therefore always carefully examine protocols involving home visits. The CUREG recommends that home visits only be considered if the protocol requires them (and there is no equivalent alternative). In this case, if it does not interfere with the objectives or feasibility of the research, the following aspects may be considered:

  • making the visit in pairs.
  • the researcher knows the start and end time of the visit.
  • those who make the visit are able to send a message to notify the end of the visit.
  • If the visit lasts longer than expected, the supervisor must act accordingly.
  • those who make the visits are aware of what to do in case of any problem.