IRB Frequently Asked Questions
IRB Frequently Asked Questions
Lyon College’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) often receives questions pertaining to various topics (ethics training, proposal submission, board membership, etc.). Below, you will find some of the most frequently asked questions (and answers):
Protocol Submission Questions
Do I still need to submit a Research Protocol Review Application if I believe my proposed project meets exemption status?
You still need to submit a Research Protocol Review Application. Only the Institutional Review Board (IRB) chair has the final say on whether a research project is exempt from full review.
Do I still need to submit a Research Protocol Review Application if I don’t plan to publish or disseminate my project’s findings?
You still need to submit a Research Protocol Review Application. All projects involving human subjects (participants) must be reviewed by Lyon College’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure that they: (1) comply with federal, state, and institutional regulations; (2) meet commonly accepted ethical standards; and (3) adequately protect participants, even if there are no plans to publish or disseminate findings.
Do I still need to submit a Research Protocol Review Application if I am conducting this project as part of a class activity or project?
You still need to submit a Research Protocol Review Application. All projects involving human subjects (participants) must be reviewed by Lyon College’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure that they: (1) comply with federal, state, and institutional regulations; (2) meet commonly accepted ethical standards; and (3) adequately protect participants, even if your work is part of a class activity or project.
How long is my proposal approval (for new/continuing projects) good for?
Approved Research Protocol Review Applications or Research Protocol Renewal Applications is good for 12 months. After your approved application expires, you must either submit a Research Protocol Renewal Application or conclude the project.
I am collecting data with my approved protocol but I need to make each change. How do I do so?
All proposed changes to project protocol must be communicated to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Lyon College before implementation for guidance.
I need to gather data before my IRB application is reviewed. Is there a way to do this? Can my project be expedited?
Principal Investigators (PIs) and research personnel are prohibited from implementing data collection procedures until AFTER their project has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Please ensure that you submit your research project proposal and plan your data collection timelines accordingly. Unless your study meets exemption criteria as determined by the chair, there is no expedited process.
Review Decision and Timeline Questions
How long will it take to receive a decision on my proposal?
If you submit documentation at least 48 hours before the weekly scheduled meeting, you will receive a response 1-3 business days after the meeting has concluded. All documentation submitted after 48 hours will be tabled for the following week.
It has been over 3 business days and I have not heard from the chair. What do I do?
If you have not received an email yet, please contact the chair directly.
My proposed project received a conditional approval / rejection. I also received feedback on my application, but am not sure how to move forward with the proposed changes. What do I do?
Feel free to contact the chair to discuss the board's feedback further.
Ethics Training Question
Can I submit proof of completion for each lesson separately?
Please submit proof of completion for all five lessons simultaneously.
It has been over 3 business days and I have not heard from the chair. What do I do?
If you have not received an email yet, please contact the chair directly.
Compliance Report Questions
When is my interim compliance report due?
Consult your approval letter from the board to find out when your interim compliance report is due.
Do I need to submit an interim compliance report if my project will only be taking place for a short period of time?
Principal Investigators (PIs) and research personnel are required to submit interim and final compliance reports for approved studies, regardless of study duration.
When is my final compliance report due?
Consult your approval letter from the board to find out when your final compliance report is due.
After consulting with my research personnel, we have decided to conclude our study before the interim compliance report deadline. Do we still need to submit a report?
Please reach out to the chair as soon as possible for guidance.
Resource Questions
Can I request the creation of additional resources?
Yes! Please reach out to the chair directly. Note that all members of Lyon College’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) are volunteers, so it may take some time before your request is processed.
Can I modify the materials?
Yes! You are free to modify the slides and learning activities. However, try to keep the information intact (to minimize confusion).
Other Questions
I want my students to pursue their independent research projects, but we do not have enough time for ethics training or IRB review. What do I do?
Please check out the “Alternative Project Ideas” document on the resources page. This document outlines alternative assignment ideas that meet exemption criteria. Please note that any assignment adjustments in this document may impact its exemption status and require review.
Who do I contact if I want to join the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Lyon College?
Thank you for your interest! Please reach out to the chair directly. Their contact information can be found on the Contact Us page.
I have questions/concerns about a study that was approved by Lyon College’s Institutional Review Board (IRB). Who do I contact?
Please reach out to the IRB chair and the provost as soon as possible.