Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is an Institutional Review Board?

A. The Institutional Review Board is an interdisciplinary group of individuals from Marist as well as the community outside Marist established by law and appointed by the Marist College President to protect human beings from unnecessary risk which might result from their being subjects of research.

Q. What is "research"?

A. "Research" is " scholarly inquiry utilizing scientific methodology to systematically gather, record, and analyze data for the purposes of developing or contributing to knowledge. " (OPRR, 1993, p. 14).

Q. Who are "human subjects"?

A. Human subjects are defined as living individual(s) about whom an investigator conducting research obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction or (2) identifiable private information. More simply put, a human subject is a person from whom or about whom information is collected.

Q. Whose research is reviewed?

A. Any human subjects research proposed by any member of the Marist community under the auspices of Marist College is subject to review. Staff, faculty, and student research is reviewed.

Q. Is all research subject to review?

A. Yes, at Marist, all human subjects research regardless of design type is subject to review.

Q. Why is all human research at Marist reviewed?

A. A review of all research insures protection of subjects of research as well as legal protection for the researcher. The IRB can help researchers identify potential risks.

Q. What ethical principles guide the work of the IRB?

A. The IRB is guided by respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. Voluntary consent of the subject is absolutely essential. If possible, the subject should benefit from the process and come to no harm. Vulnerable groups should not be "over studied" in comparison with more powerful segments of the population.

Q. What is informed consent?

A. Human subjects of research have a right to be informed of the purpose and nature of the research, identity of the researcher and sponsoring agency, the procedures, any risks or benefits and confidentiality (who will have access to the data).

Q. How does the IRB work?

A. Review Forms completed by the researcher are evaluated by the chair of the IRB to decide whether the study is human subjects research and whether a full or expedited review is needed.  The Chair may determine no review is necessary, as in the case of secondary data analysis, and will immediately notify the researcher.  In an expedited review, an IRB member completes the review where minimal risk is posed. Full review involves discussion by the IRB as a whole.

Q. Is the review process lengthy?

A. Expedited reviews usually take less than one week. Full reviews usually take less than two weeks.

Q. Once the IRB approves any research, am I free to do my study?

A. Studies also require the approval of the appropriate administrator. Also, after November 1, 2006, the IRB will not consider proposals submitted from those who have not undergone CITI training.  CITI training is comprised of a discipline specific Basic Course and Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR).

Q. How do I obtain a review form?

A. You can obtain forms in a variety of ways

Printed forms are available from the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean of Faculty, Hancock Center 1016, and from the Chair of the IRB. An online copy of the form is available by clicking on the following link:

IRB Form [PDF]

To learn about the Institional Review Board's Policies and Procedures view this document.

IRB Submission Status

Rec = Received Pend = Pending (Awaiting Revisions) App = Approved

Proposal #

Status

Principle Investigator

  

Rec = Received Pend = Pending (Awaiting Revisions) App = Approved