#research-ethics

Navigate institutional review board approval process. IRB submission components: 1. Research protocol: clear description of purpose, methods, participants, risks/benefits. 2. Informed consent form: written in lay language (8th grade level), includes right to withdraw, confidentiality procedures. 3. Recruitment materials: flyers, emails, scripts for participant recruitment. 4. Data management plan: how data will be collected, stored, de-identified, destroyed. 5. Risk assessment: minimal risk vs. greater than minimal risk determination. Common ethical considerations: 1. Vulnerable populations (children, prisoners, pregnant women) require additional protections. 2. Deception studies need debriefing procedures. 3. Online research needs privacy protections. 4. Data sharing requires participant consent. Expedited review: minimal risk studies using established procedures. Full board review: greater than minimal risk or sensitive topics. Timeline: allow 4-8 weeks for initial review.

Prepare an IRB (Institutional Review Board) application. Required elements: 1. Study purpose and design. 2. Participant recruitment and selection. 3. Informed consent process and forms. 4. Risks and benefits assessment. 5. Data collection procedures. 6. Privacy and confidentiality protections. 7. Data storage and security. 8. Vulnerable populations considerations. Determine review level (exempt, expedited, full). Address ethical principles (beneficence, justice, respect). Include all study materials. Plan for adverse events. Allow 4-8 weeks for review. Obtain approval before starting.