Abstract
BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to survey full-time faculty at a single chiropractic college concerning their knowledge of Institutional Review Board (IRB) policies in their institution as they pertain to educational research.MethodsAll full-time faculty were invited to participate in an anonymous survey. Four scenarios involving educational research were described and respondents were asked to select from three possible courses of action for each. In addition, respondents were queried about their knowledge of IRB policies, how they learned of these policies and about their years of service and departmental assignments.ResultsThe response rate was 55%. In no scenario did the level of correct answers by all respondents score higher than 41% and in most, the scores were closer to just under 1 in 3. Sixty-five percent of respondents indicated they were unsure whether Palmer had any policies in place at all, while 4% felt that no such policies were in place. Just over one-quarter (27%) were correct in noting that students can decline consent, while more than half (54%) did not know whether there were any procedures governing student consent.ConclusionPalmer faculty have only modest understanding about institutional policies regarding the IRB and human subject research, especially pertaining to educational research. The institution needs to develop methods to provide knowledge and training to faculty. The results from this pilot study will be instrumental in developing better protocols for a study designed to survey the entire chiropractic academic community.
Highlights
The purpose of this study was to survey full-time faculty at a single chiropractic college concerning their knowledge of Institutional Review Board (IRB) policies in their institution as they pertain to educational research
Of the 102 full-time faculty members, 66 returned consent forms and confirmed their interest to participate via email, and 56 surveys were returned for a 55% response rate
The mixed response to case scenarios is supported by the knowledge level for college policies regarding educational research and for obtaining student consent. (Table 4) Sixty-five percent of respondents indicated they were unsure whether Palmer had any policies in place at all, while 4% felt that no such policies were in place
Summary
The purpose of this study was to survey full-time faculty at a single chiropractic college concerning their knowledge of Institutional Review Board (IRB) policies in their institution as they pertain to educational research. There is an expectation that faculty in higher education participate in scholarship and research in some fashion. The possibility of conducting some form of research is one way to enhance the potential for advancement as well as fulfill hours of service required by (page number not for citation purposes). Faculty members are not always clear about how to conduct research, nor are they aware of the requirements concerning when institutional review board (IRB) consideration and approval is needed. The situation is even more complicated when considering educational research. [2] Some misunderstand the implications of 45 CFR 46 [3], the federal law governing human subjects research. 45 CFR 46 states the following, in part: EXEMPTION #1 (45 CFR 46.101(b)(1)): Research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings, involving normal educational practices, such as (i) research on regular and special education instructional strategies, or (ii) research on the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques, curricula, or classroom management methods
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