Institutional Review Board - FAQ
Why does the Blackburn College IRB exist?
The IRB exists as a safeguard to promote ethical and responsible
treatment of human subjects/participants in research. Blackburn
College and federal policies require that each project involving
studies with human subjects be reviewed to consider:
- The rights and welfare of the subjects involved
- The appropriateness of methods used to secure informed consent
- The balance of risks and potential benefits of the investigation
The ultimate responsibility for treatment of human research subjects
rests with the researcher and with Blackburn College. Researcher's
informed and enthusiastic participation in this process helps to
ensure a positive, ethical, and responsible climate for scholarly
research at Blackburn College.
Who must fill out an application with the Blackburn College IRB?
All research involving human subjects that is conducted under the
auspices of Blackburn College by its faculty, staff, or students is
subject to IRB review.
In conformity with Federal Regulations, there are three separate
avenues for review of research involving human subjects:
- Full IRB Review
- Expedited Review
- Exempt Review
All three of these review protocols use the same IRB Application
Form.
Applications are accepted on an on-going basis. Allow at least four
weeks for a decision.
Some types of activities are specifically exempt from IRB review.
These include:
- Non-intrusive observation of subjects in public places
- Data-gathering from class members for classroom purposes (e.g.,
class exercises, course evaluations)
- Needs assessment or evaluation data intended to remain within the
Blackburn community
Any questions regarding whether a particular study requires IRB
approval should be directed to the current IRB Chair: Lynda
Bockewitz, Blackburn College Psychology Department, (217) 854-3231
extension 4315, or by email. The IRB Chair will make final
determination.
NOTE: Class related projects conducted within the Blackburn College
community that are not distributed for publication, or used
off-campus; which do not exceed a one-semester time period, and do
not involve protected population subjects—as identified in 45 CFR
part 46—are exempt from IRB review. Approval from the students’
professor(s) is sufficient for undertaking such research. All other
research undertaken requires an IRB application—even when classified
as exempt under 45 CFR Part 46.
How do I access the Blackburn College IRB website?
Simply go to the Blackburn College Home Page and select
“Administrative,” then select “Institutional Review Board” at
http://www.blackburn.edu/IRB.asp.
What does the Blackburn College IRB website contain?
The Blackburn College IRB website contains information regarding:
- History and the need for Institutional Review Boards
- Helpful links to the federal government’s website Office for Human
Research Protections (OHRP), “Online Training” for Human Subject
Assurance Training, and U.S. Federal Policy
- Application Procedures
- IRB Application Forms
- Resources: sample forms; checklists for investigators, extension
and annual review applications
- The Belmont Report
Where do I file the Blackburn College IRB application?
File your completed IRB application form with the Office of
Institutional Research located in the Butler Hall, Room 24.
Where can I find a Blackburn College IRB application?
Photocopies of the general IRB Application Form are available at the
Office of Institutional Research. You may also download the IRB
Application Form as a Word document from the Blackburn College IRB
website.
Who do I contact if I need help filling out the IRB application?
Questions regarding the IRB application should be directed to the
Office of Institutional Research at (217) 854-3231 extension 4289.
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