Northeastern University IRB

1
Northeastern University IRB

• Division of Research Integrity
• www.research.neu.edu/research_integrity
• Application process takes 2-8 weeks

2
NU Guidelines for Informed Consent

• Statement that study involves research.
• Explanation of the purpose of study.
• Expected duration of subjects participation.
• Description of procedures.
• Identification of any experimental procedures.
• Any foreseeable risks or discomforts.
• Any benefits that may be reasonably expected
  (including compensation).
• Any alternatives to participation.
• Confidentiality of records.
• If more than minimal risk compensation and/or
  medical treatment available.
• Whom to contact for more information.
• Participation is voluntary. No penalty for
  refusal or withdrawal.

3
NU Guidelines for Student Research Projects
Involving Human Subjects

• If
• Intent is to gain practice in the process of
  doing research
• Study is small
• Results will not be published
• Participants are not identified
• Subject matter is benign
• No (active) deception
• Then, can proceed without IRB approval. But,
• Must submit proposal to instructor first.
• Must obtain verbal consent.
• Must give instructor as point of contact if any
  questions.

4
Example Verbal Consent
Hi, Im conducting a survey to find out what
people think about putting computers in the Curry
center food court. Id like to ask you some
questions and it will just take 5 minutes. Its
for a course Im taking in Research Methods from
Prof. Carole Hafner in the College of Computer
and Information Science. Your participation is
voluntary and you can stop anytime and ask that
your data not be used. Can you help me out with
this?