Obtaining+Necessary+Permissions

Once you have decided on a research question, reviewed the literature, and designed your study, you are ready to seek approval to conduct the research.


 * No Approval, No Research -** You cannot begin to collect data (such as administering pre-tests and surveys, conducting interviews, or videotaping) until you have permission from to proceed from your principal, your school district (many school districts have their own internal review boards), and Michigan State University's internal review board (also known as the University Committee for Research In Human Subjects or UCRIHS).


 * Training Module -** The first thing you’ll need to do is complete MSU's training module. The IRB will not approve your application until you have done this. You can access it here: http://www.humanresearch.msu.edu/training/training_index.htm (Scroll down until you see “Initial Educational Requirement,” then click on the link that says “IRB Tutorial.” Follow the prompts and be prepared for a short little “quiz” at the end. It will probably take you 20-30 minutes to complete.


 * Meeting Dates -** The next step is to check the dates when the IRB meets. You'll have to submit your materials by the deadline in order for them to be reviewed by the next meeting date. - http://humanresearch.msu.edu/meetingdates.html


 * IRB Application Form -** Next, you’ll have to fill out this form: http://www.humanresearch.msu.edu/applications/Initial_Application.pdf It may look a little overwhelming to you, but don’t let it scare you. It isn’t as bad as it looks!


 * Consent Forms -** You will need to obtain informed consent from everyone involved in your study. This means that students need to have the study explained to them in language that they can understand, and must sign a form saying that someone has explained the study to them and that they voluntarily agree to participate. Children under 18 must also have permission from their parents in order to participate in your study. This means that their parents need to sign a form that explains the study and says they agree to allow their children to participate. If there are any colleagues who are serving as participants in your study, you'll need their permission as well. These permission forms must be attached to your IRB application and approved by the IRB BEFORE you start collecting signatures on them.


 * Data Collection Instruments -** As part of the application, you’ll have to attach copies of all of the data collection instruments you plan to use. This would include any pre- or post-tests that you plan to give, a list of any interview questions you intend to ask, a copy of each questionnaire or survey you will administer, etc. Again, these must be approved by the IRB before you can use them.


 * Janet’s ZIP –** Students need a faculty member to sign off on their work, meaning that Janet has an identification number that she has to submit with your application. Once we have it all ready to go, we’ll send it to her so she can add that number.


 * Online Application Submission –** Once you have figured out what information you will include in your IRB application, it has to be submitted through the online application system, which is located here: http://www.humanresearch.msu.edu/applications/applications_index.htm


 * Exempt/Expedited Review -** Your research will probably be exempt (which means the review process should be quick) unless you plan to collect audio or video data, in which case the study will go through what is called an expedited review (which is also faster than a full review): http://www.humanresearch.msu.edu/applications/Review_Categories.pdf Once you receive approval from the IRB, then you can move forward with your research.


 * Revisions -** If you wish to do anything differently during the course of your research than that which you outlined in your IRB application, you must obtain approval from the IRB. This means that you will need to submit an addendum or revision form prior and wait for approval before making any changes in the way you are conducting your study. A PDF of that form is available here: http://www.humanresearch.msu.edu/applications/applications_index.htm


 * Other Forms -** All other forms you might need can be found here: http://www.humanresearch.msu.edu/forms.html

For more information on federal regulations and requirements, visit the D[|epartment of Health & Human Services Guidance Topics] page.