You Versus The IRB

Many people struggle when it comes to submitting to the IRB. Dr. Lacy shares the common mistakes people make, and gives advice to make submitting to the IRB, the Institutional Review Board, a smooth process.

Many people struggle with the IRB process. So many people are confused about the process or get worked up about what to do.

Dr. Lacy clears a few things up in this episode in hopes that it will lessen the fear and confusion for you. Here are a few things you need to know and do.

1. Understand the Purpose of the IRB Process

The IRB process is all about protection and providing checks and balances in the research process. The Institutional Review Board is typically composed of faculty members and other key institutional members whose responsibility is to review the ethics of research projects in order to protect human subjects. This group of people are not out to get you or intentionally trip you up. The IRB process is all about ensuring you have a sound and ethical research design.

2. Complete CITI Training and Read All Instructions

Review your CITI training again and read all of the instructions to the IRB application. Failure to read the instructions clearly and provide all necessary documentation will lead you down a long back and forth road with the IRB that you will not have the patience or energy for after the proposal process. 

3. Ask All the Questions

Ask as many questions as you need about the IRB process. In fact, it is completely appropriate to ask the members of the IRB your questions. Most IRB departments likely have office hours, openings for individual appointments, and contact information for their staff who are in charge of getting applications ready for review by the chair. 

Next, you can ask questions of your peers who have already submitted their applications. 

Finally, you can ask your advisor for help as they are the person who will give approval before going to the IRB. 

4. Make a Plan After Submitting The IRB

The review process can take weeks and even sometimes months to complete and seek approval. Many people struggle during this time because they are not sure what they should be focusing on. Dr. Lacy strongly encourages you to take this time to rest. 

If you must do something, then she recommends you working on proposal edits from your proposal defense, creating your recruitment materials, and reaching out to any gatekeepers or connectors to future participants. You are not allowed to collect data but that does not mean you can’t set yourself up to hit the ground running as soon as you receive approval from the IRB. 

The IRB process can be simple and easy, if you let it be. We hope this information was helpful for you.