The IRB Process

Design Issues

Requirements for Anonymous Questionnaires
(Adults Capable of Giving Consent)

Not to be Used With Children

In a paragraph on the front page of the questionnaire or in a separate cover letter, participants must be:

• Given the title of the project (as it appears on the IRB application) or the Proposal Number of the project (as assigned by the IRB).
  
• Told the purpose of the research.
  
• Told HOW their biographical anonymity will be protected. Do not simply state that it will be protected, you need to indicate what measures are being taken to ensure anonymity.
  
• Informed if the risks involved in the research are greater than those encountered in everyday life.
  
• Told that whether or not they participate, they will not be subject to any penalty of any kind.
  
• Told that they can cease their participation, in the research at any time without penalty of any kind.
  
• Given a name, address, email address, and telephone number (this could be their advisors telephone number) where they can get additional information. For research done by students, the name, address, email address, and telephone of their faculty advisor should also be-given. Also include a statement indicating that the project has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at Webster University and that information on Webster University policy and procedure for research involving humans can be obtained from the Chair of the Institutional Review Board.
  

• IRB Committee Members

It is not necessary to ask research subjects to sign a separate consent statement because the return of the questionnaire implies consent.