Conducting social science research – Guidance for Defence Team members

April 21, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 1:55

Are you conducting social science research with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or the Department of National Defence (DND)? Are you preparing a survey or planning a consultation, focus group, or interview? Check out the updates to Defence Administrative Orders and Directives (DAOD) 5062.

New updates have recently been made to the existing DAOD 5062 series. DAOD 5062-0 provides policy direction on social science research conducted with Defence Team (DT) members, and DAOD 5062-1 provides instructions on conducting social science research undertaken with DT members.

The recent updates to DAOD 5062-0 and DAOD 5062-1 introduce several enhancements and clarifications. These include updated and expanded definitions, clearer language regarding research guidelines and responsibilities, additional references, and new responsibilities. The revisions also provide more precise and defined requirements for submitting research to the Social Science Research Review Board (SSRRB), along with other proactive improvements throughout both directives.

What is social science research?

Social science research offers impartial, systematic, and reliable methods to acquire an understanding of human behaviour through the study of a wide variety of human issues. Techniques may include questionnaires, surveys, focus groups, individual interviews, or participant observation. Social science research, as defined within DAOD 5062-0, does not include physical science, medical science, health surveillance, public health research, clinical, or health program quality assurance.

Who does DAOD 5062 apply to?

For purposes of the DAOD 5062 series, social science research involves research conducted with DND public service employees, CAF members including Regular Force, Reserve Force personnel (Primary Reserve, Supplementary Reserve, Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS) and Canadian Rangers), their family members, members of Canadian Cadet organizations or Junior Canadian Rangers, or applicants for enrolment in the CAF.

Social science research conducted by DND or CAF researchers that does not involve the participant groups listed above is still subject to ethics review by a relevant Research Ethics Board (REB).

Supporting DT members through social science research

The DND/CAF SSRRB is responsible for the ethical and contextual review of data collection activities, to conform with DAOD 5062, and the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct of Research involving Humans, if asking any questions related to opinions, attitudes, perceptions, judgements, feelings, ideas, reactions, or views.

The DND/CAF recognize the importance of social science research to better understand human behaviour, and to support operational effectiveness, inform policy, and enhance the well-being of DND public service employees, CAF members, and associated civilians.

For any questions or concerns, contact the Social Science Research Review Board (SSRRB) at: [email protected].

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