Who is on the ACE IRB?
Members of the Institutional Review Board will be appointed by the senior academic leader at ACE in accordance with federal guidelines and ACE policies. The IRB members have diverse backgrounds and have all completed the Collaborative IRB Training Initiative (CITI) training on human subjects protection.
May I contact individual members of the IRB?
No. Any necessary communication with the IRB must come through [email protected].
What documents/forms do I need to complete for my IRB submission?
You will need to complete the IRB application. The IRB application will outline any additional documents that are required depending on your relationship with ACE and the type of research you are proposing. The documents below are typically required with to be submitted with the IRB application:
- Students: Copy of approved dissertation proposal
- Faculty or Staff: Copy of proposed research with any obtained approvals
- Copy of Certificate of completed CITI training
- Vita or resume for the principal investigator
- Research methodology
- Documentation relevant to research involving human subjects
- All instruments to be administered
- Copy of all subject recruitment materials (e.g. flyers, emails, letters) (as appropriate)
- Completed Guidelines for Informed Consent for Research Participation
Note for ACE Students: Ed.D. candidates will submit the dissertation proposal to their dissertation chair who, will in turn, submit to the Doctoral Research Reviewer (DRR). The DRR will submit the application, once reviewed and approved, to the IRB for final review and approval. Ed.S. candidates will submit proposals to their designated faculty members who, in turn, will submit to the IRB if the proposed research pertains to human subjects.
What should the methodology of research involving human subjects include?
The methodology of research involving human subjects should include:
- Processes and methods used to identify research subjects
- Provisions for monitoring data collection
- Acknowledgment of federal policies relates to research protocols (as appropriate),
- Procedures to maintain privacy at all stages of the research (as appropriate)
- Procedures to maintain confidentiality at all stages of the research (as appropriate)
- Informed consent process and explanation of why loss of confidentiality is justified
- Description of any anticipated risks and justification of exposure to minimal risk level
- Details of planned compensation and procedures (if applicable)
- Description of benefits to participants, the discipline or profession, or the community (other than compensation)
Does the IRB consider the quality of my application’s writing?
Yes. If the IRB determines that an application, including attachments, does not meet standards of scholarly writing, it will be returned without review.
If I have questions about the IRB process, who should I contact?
Students: First consult the written documents pertaining to the IRB available in Student Commons. If you still have questions, contact your dissertation chair (Ed.D. program) and/or faculty (Ed.S. program).
Faculty, Staff, External Parties: Please contact the IRB at [email protected]
How long does the IRB review process typically take?
Typically, no more than two weeks (10 business days).
Does the IRB consider the quality of my research design?
Yes. If the IRB determines that an application’s description of research design and statistical application are not spelled out satisfactorily - meeting standards of scholarly research - the application will be returned without review.
May I ask the IRB for advice regarding my proposed research design?
You should work with your dissertation committee (Ed.D. program) or faculty (Ed.S. program). The IRB does not usurp the guidance of your academic mentors. In most instances these individuals will be able to handle questions. However, if you plan to work with vulnerable populations, please contact the IRB for advice at [email protected].
I plan to conduct research in my school / organization. When should I start to ask about getting permission to do so?
You should discuss the specifics with your dissertation chair, but you are encouraged to explore securing permissions early on in your program. If permissions are granted from the school or organization, get written documentation of the approval. If permissions are denied, and you will need to change the methodology of your study, you should do this before the proposal is approved by your dissertation committee. If permission is denied and it could change the direction of your study, it is recommended that you seek approval before your final Concept Paper is approved.
I plan to conduct research outside the United States. Are there any additional requirements / factors that I need to investigate to prepare for the IRB process?
First, refer to the list of documents that will need to be reviewed by the IRB. If research is being conducted outside the United States, you will need to consider any requirements from the IRB, or equivalent, of any foreign institution. You are also advised to consult the International Compilation of Human Research Standards, 2015 Edition, compiled by the Office of Human Research Protections at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which provides guidance on specific countries.
If something about my study changes after I receive IRB approval, what do I need to do?
Ed.D. students will need to discuss the specific changes with their dissertation chair to determine next steps. Any substantive changes will need to be re-submitted to the IRB for review.
How long must I retain all research records after I complete my study?
Federal regulations (45 CFR 46) require research records to be retained for at least 3 years after the completion of the research.
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