Dr. Carolyn M. ByerlyProfessor

Department of Journalism

Research using human subjects requires their “informed consent,” which involves:

Prior approval by IRB for the research,Use of ethical methods in the gathering of

dataObtaining each participant’s signature on a

consent form that has the “approved” stamp and date from IRB

Passing the CITI online certification (required for researchers)

It is a source of first-person data in research that seeks subjective knowledge

It is the oldest, most original way of gathering data,

It involves the researcher in a more personal way than “objective” approaches (which separate the “knower from the known”), and

It is interactional by nature.

Interactional = an exchange between interviewer and human participant in a question-answer format.

Interaction can be achieved through traditional survey method (use of a form that is completed),

Online data gathering, orIn a face-to-face interview.

A qualitative interactional method of data gathering in which a trained researcher uses questions to obtain information for a specific purpose from human participants In face-to-face (or mediated)

communication.

Human experience matters in the search for truth

Knowledge is always personal The “personal” is always original and

authentic The “person” is a source of useful data

that will open his or her world and experience in it

Interviews are a gift – be appreciative Use your power wisely – interviews are

not an “equal” relationship Listen carefully and clarify when

necessary Record everything you learn accurately Be respectful toward participants Stay within the purpose of the interview Stay within the bounds of approval by

IRB.

1. What is the purpose of the IRB process?

2. How do you apply?3. What do you do if you have to change

something in your methodology after you receive approval?

4. What kinds of things are in the “consent form” that participants sign?

5. What is the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) certification?

The training requirement applies to anyone conducting human subjects research activities at Howard. This means anyone working directly with human participants or with identifiable data or biological specimens for research purposes under Howard University auspices. Investigators, research nurses, coordinators, students, technicians working with identifiable data, and faculty advisors would all need to obtain CITI certification.

http://www.howard.edu/research/compliance/irb/training.html

Is found online at www.citiprogram.org/Default.asp?

Sociobehavioral researchers should take the social science course (among those offered)

Certification is good for two years for Howard personnel and students

Keep the electronic copy of your certificate (which is required with IRB paperwork).

Know who needs to sign off on application

Write a clear, well-organized application Submit it to IRB at least a month before

you plan to start work Do not begin interviewing till you get

approval

FORMS ON LINE AT IRB WEBSITE. ELEMENTS REQUIRED:

Face page (signatures)Purpose + significanceTimeline for workPersonnel (PI + others)Method + proceduresPopulation to be sampledSelection of participantsRisks & benefits to participantsConsent form (*no header or footer)

You must submit a letter to IRB if you:Add or change personnelChange the research procedures

You must receive approval for these changes.

Also remember:You must submit a close-out report.

Always observe the steps associated with “proper interview etiquette”

Set appointment in advance Clarify purpose of interview Specify amount of time needed Answer participant questions about

project Be on time Be friendly but professional

A. “Interview schedule” is a researchers’ term for questionnaire.

B. An interview schedule contains the questions that the researcher will ask participants in the study.

C. The research schedule is well-organized, and

D.May utilize several kinds of questions.

Loosely structured (dialogue, open-ended):Q. What makes a good news program?

Semi-structured (directed open-ended)Q. Which of the major news programs do you watch?

Structured (closed-ended)Q. Which of the following radio stations to you listen

to? [list]

Some combination of the above (most are this)

Separate the questionnaire into

Basic participant data (often best at end) Gender, race, age, education, etc.

Substantive questions Personal experiences Opinions Expert knowledge

Closed-ended questions have limited selection of choices, e.g.:Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

Yes____ No ____ Please indicate your annual income:

___ Over $100,000 ___ $75,000-100,000 ___ $50-000-$75,000 ___ $25,000-$50,000 ___ Less than $25,000

Do you consider yourself:a) Liberal b) Conservative c) Neither of these.

Question: Why do you believe so few African Americans own radio and television stations?

Probe 1: Is access to funds a possibility?Probe 2: Do you imagine most understand

the application process?

Level 1: safe exchangesThanks so much for coming, especially on

such a cold day. Did you have far to drive? Level 2: requires trust

I know you lost your broadcast license in 1999. Can you tell me more about the situation?

Level 3: involves full disclosureHow has loss of your business affected your

life and career?

Keep the interview on trackUse probes or gentle reminders to bring

participant back to the subject

Let participants skip questions or end early This is an IRB requirement

Keep clear, accurate recordsThis protects you and your human subjects.

Problem 1: More and more young professionals are

using social media in their job searches, but you want to explore how HBCU students are doing this.

QUESTION: What is the best way for you to gather this information: Face-to-face interviews? Survey monkey questionnaire? Focus groups? Something else?

Problem 2:Women’s health networks use public

awareness campaigns to encourage women over 40 to get regular breast exams for early detection of breast cancer. Your professor has just hired you to help conduct interviews with middle-aged women to learn whether they pay attention to prevention messages. You are still feeling sad over losing your grandmother to cancer.

QUESTION: How might you handle this situation so you can be effective in this research?

Problem 3:Until recently, there has been widespread

disapproval of same-sex marriage by many African Americans. You want to learn more about how this disapproval has affected the self-image of young gays and lesbians in the Black community. You know quite a few people in this demographic.

QUESTION: Is it ethical for you to include them in your study?

Dr. Carolyn M. Byerly

cbyerly@howard.edu

240-821-2859