irb-research-ethics

An IRB protocol requires a research overview, study design and procedures, participant population details, an informed consent form, risk assessment, confidentiality and data protection plans, and researcher qualifications. Submit the complete application to your institution's IRB office and do not collect data until approval is received.

Federal regulations require the study purpose and procedures, duration, risks and discomforts, benefits, confidentiality measures, the right to withdraw without penalty, and researcher and IRB contact information. The form should be written at a 6th-8th grade reading level using plain language.

Research involving human subjects or their identifiable information generally requires IRB review, and most dissertations are non-exempt. Some archival or low-risk survey work may qualify as exempt, but you should never self-determine exemption; always confirm with your institution's IRB office.

Typical timelines run one to three months from submission to approval. Initial review takes one to two weeks, full board review two to four weeks, and any requested revisions add another one to two weeks before final approval.

Minors require parental consent plus child assent, prisoners need protection from coercion, and cognitively impaired participants need a legally authorized representative. Students and employees require safeguards against power dynamics, such as anonymous surveys and no penalty for non-participation.