Information on Using Humans in Research Studies
for members of the Department of Computer Science

Last updated 17 January 2007 by Mary Whitton.

Important  Links

Always check the OHRE web site for the latest version of their forms BEFORE you start writing!

Site Link
Office of Human Research Ethics  (OHRE) Home Page http://ohre.unc.edu/
OHRE Guide to the IRB Process http://ohre.unc.edu/guide_to_irb.php
IRB application forms and instructions http://ohre.unc.edu/forms.php
Required Training Overview http://ohre.unc.edu/educ.php
Which Training Modules to Compete? http://ohre.unc.edu/educ.php#which
Enter Training Site https://www.citiprogram.org/default.asp

Preparing an Application for Study Approval

    HINT: Completely design your study, then fill out the IRB forms.
    That will make doing the IRB forms a snap.

        Need help designing your study?  I'm often willing to help, but use your advisor first.

    Forms and IRB Specific Guidelines

IRB application forms and instructions

How to generate the certificate of training to go in your application.  Training is required.

Form for Local Committee Approval Signature and recommendation for level of review.

Process within the Computer Science Department
for Studies to be reviewed by the Behavioral IRB

If your study is done with collaborators from the medical school, you may need to submit your to the Biomedical IRB. Consult with your med school colleagues to make this decision.  I'm familiar with only the Behavioral IRB process.

1.  Complete the IRB form and have it reviewed and signed by the faculty advisor.
       NOTE:  This includes certificates that everyone who will interact with the participants has completed IRB training.

2.  Submit your IRB forms--one copy to the local CS department IRB review committee chair, Mary Whitton..
      One copy is OK and electronic is OK. 
      Be sure to have all the pieces.
      Include HARDCOPY of the Local Committee Approval Signature Form.

3.  I sign the Local Committee Approval form  and make a recommendation as to level of review that the campus IRB should do of the proposal.   The Guide to the IRB Process includes descriptions of "What kinds of IRB review are there?"  Most often studies from the CS department are "minimal risk" and quality for "Expedited, Category 7." 

4.  Take completed forms, including the local signature form and get signature from department.  This must be one of Jan Prins, David Stotts, or Tim Quigg.

5.  Submit the complete, signed package to the IRB office.  The instructions for where and how many copies, etc. are part of the application form.

Training  

Training is required for everyone who will interact with the participants or the collected data.

How to generate a certificate of training to go in your application.