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last.updated 1.12.09

 

IRB Application


Purpose

Because commonplace arguments can have no basis in reality, reflect the reality of local context, or exclude the realities of some local contexts, it is important that those of us who work with technology and write about technology understand how individuals–especially those whom we are working with–are actually interacting with/through the technologies they use. Conducting research with human participants gives you the opportunity to develop this understanding. Part of this research process entails applying to an institutional review board (IRB) for exemption from their oversight or approval to conduct the research. This assignment gives you the opportunity to practice this process.


Instructions–Epistemological Process

IRB Application

Go to ODU's Office of Research site and download the Application form for Exempt Research from the Forms page. Read through the form paying close attention to the parts you will have to address when filling it out.

Choosing a Topic

Choose a topic related to cybercultures and digital writing that involves working with human participants. You are encourage to build upon or respond to work you have already done previous assignments; look at your research as an opportunity to contribute to the conversation that you have been engaging with thus far.

Instructions–Writing

Fill out the Application form for Exempt Research as if you were going to conduct the research project you are proposing (because of the time constraints of the course, you will not be doing the proposed research). This will include a copy of the Research Protocol(s) (p. 4, bottom), Questionnaire (if relevant; p. 4, bottom), the recruitment tool(s) (p. 3, bottom), and informed consent form (p. 5, bottom). The Research Protocol needs to be two full pages including relevant citations.

 

Instructions-Presentation

On the day the assignment is due we will spend the first hour presenting the proposed research projects. For these presentations, each student will have five minutes to present a brief, informal summary of their work. These presentation will not be evaluated; their purpose is to share what you have done with your peers.


Criteria

Logistics:

In addition to the general evaluation criteria, the instructor will be looking for evidence of...

  • a complete application for a research project that both responds to issues relevant to the fields of Cyberculture studies and Digital writing/rhetoric
  • a sense of audience–the IRB Committee in ODU's College of Arts and Letters are not necessarily familiar with the fields of Cyberculture studies or Digital Writing/Rhetoric
  • a research project that is "original," at least in the context in which it is being applied
  • supporting materials (Protocol, Questionnaire, Human Consent, Recruitment) that fulfill their purpose and are written for the appropriate audience
  • an ability to articulate your knowledge of the course material
  • appropriate use of conventions, including MLA or APA citation formatting