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The Truth International is a research, evaluation and advisory organization supporting evidence-based decision-making across governance, development, markets, infrastructure and public systems.

Research Ethics

TTI is committed to credible, independent and responsible research. These principles guide our surveys, interviews, assessments, monitoring and evaluation, policy studies and other research-related work, with safeguards tailored to each project and its participants.

Integrity and independence

We aim to use appropriate methods, document limitations, assess evidence fairly and report findings accurately. Fabrication, falsification, plagiarism and deliberate misrepresentation are unacceptable. Potential conflicts of interest, funding conditions and limitations affecting independence should be identified and managed transparently.

Informed and voluntary participation

Before collecting information directly from participants, researchers should explain the study purpose, what participation involves, foreseeable risks, intended use of findings and relevant confidentiality limits in understandable language. Participation should be voluntary, without coercion. Participants may decline questions or withdraw where practicable, subject to any limitations explained during consent.

Respect, safety and inclusion

TTI seeks to respect participants’ dignity, privacy, culture and circumstances. Research design should minimize avoidable physical, social, economic or psychological harm. Additional safeguards and appropriate permissions are required when working with children or people facing heightened vulnerability. Sensitive topics should be approached with care and clear referral or escalation procedures where appropriate.

Confidentiality and responsible data use

We seek to collect only information relevant to the study. Personal identifiers should be restricted, and findings should ordinarily be presented in aggregated or de-identified form unless identifiable disclosure has been clearly authorized or is otherwise lawfully justified. Access and sharing should follow project agreements and applicable safeguards.

Quality assurance and accountability

Research teams should use suitable quality checks, appropriately trained personnel and proportionate ethical review before higher-risk activities. Any material ethical concerns, data irregularities or potential harm should be reported to the responsible project lead and addressed promptly. Corrections should be made when substantive errors are identified.

Questions or concerns about a TTI research project can be directed to info@tti.org.pk with the project name and a brief description of the concern.