Frequently Asked IRB Questions for Psychology Researchers

No, it is an inducement. Do not list it as a benefit.

No, that is not considered a direct benefit. Do not list it as a benefit.

Simply state that there are no direct benefits to participants, but the knowledge gained from the study may provide benefits to society.

Yes, and it should be indicated in the application form and in the information sheet/or consent document as such.

As of December 2004, no. As long as the data is anonymous or de-identified, nothing needs to be filed with the IRB at all, nor with the LRB (not even a claim of exemption). See the IRB web page for details.

Yes. For data you will collect (that is not pre-existing data) you need to file a claim of exemption, even if the data will be anonymous.

Generally speaking, no, if you will only be re-analyzing existing data. The LRB just needs to have enough information to evaluate whether your project meets the criteria for exemption, and (usually) answering the questions on the claim of exemption form is sufficient. (But see the next question for an exception.)

Yes, if the data collection process is completely anonymous at every step OR the research is benign (meaning that it does not place participants at risk of criminal/civil liability or damage to their financial standing, employability, or reputation) AND the research fits within one of the categories of exempt activities. There are some exceptions, so see the IRB web page for details. If you file a claim of exemption for collecting new data (such as an anonymous survey) you must include a copy of the survey with your claim of exemption.

Yes, if the research is anonymous or benign and fits within one of the categories of exempt activities (see the IRB web site for details). You will need to include a copy of your debriefing sheet with your claim of exemption (required for all subject pool studies) and indicate on your LRB cover sheet the number of credit hours to be awarded.

No, meta-analyses use only aggregated data, not individuals' data, and therefore are not defined as "research involving human subjects" according to federal regulations. Analysis of aggregated data never requires filing any paperwork at all with the IRB.

No, program evaluations are not research. No IRB paperwork is required. Note that if you want to also use the data for research, however, you DO need to get IRB approval before beginning the project.

No, class research projects are not research, so long as they are only reported within the class and are only used to meet course requirements. If, however, the data will also be used in research (meaning presented in a talk, poster, or paper outside the class) then IRB approval is required before beginning the project.

The rules are that data containing identifiers can be stored for a maximum of 3 years before seeking IRB approval to continue keeping it longer, but completely anonymous data can be archived indefinitely. So if you need to keep identifiers linked to the data for a long time, state a time period of no more than 3 years. If your data is completely anonymous, state that "Anonymous data will be archived indefinitely." If your data initially contains identifiers that can be linked to individuals, but you only need them temporarily, state when and how you will remove all identifying information from the data, and then state that after doing so the anonymous data will be archived indefinitely.

It means that there is nothing in the data that could be used to link any individual to his or her data. Data that contains names, social security numbers, or other identifying information is not anonymous. Neither is data that contains arbitrary identifiers IF there is a list linking those identifiers to individuals.

If you do not collect the participants' name or any other identifying information, then probably yes, it would be anonymous. (The consent form should not collect names either; just have them click "I agree.") This does NOT mean it is OK to use Quickdata to collect highly confidential information, however. If your research is asking for non-benign or more than minimal risk information, you should contact ITD and ask for help finding a computer security consultant to help you collect confidential information safely. Quickdata is not designed for surveys that require secure data transmission.

For sensitive information that you want to collect fully anonymously, it is important to make sure that your survey does not record the IP address of the participant’s computer. If you go to "Survey Options" in Qualtrics and select "Anonymize Response," then the IP addresses will not be collected and your data can be fully anonymous.

It is FWA #00000099.

First check the DePaul IRB website, and then if you still have questions contact the IRB coordinator.

This page was last updated on May 2, 2014.

No, MTurk data is not anonymous (see this article for details). There are also potential privacy issues related to the way that Amazon links data across its services.  The IRB has provided specific wording to use regarding MTurk in the Consent Form and Information Sheet templates on the DePaul IRB web site.  Be sure to use the language from the most recent versions of these documents provided by the IRB. 

Yes, if the IRB approves that in your research protocol and your consent/information form clearly informs participants that they must complete the entire survey to receive credit.  Another option is to require an answer to every question but make "I prefer not to answer" one of the answer choices.