1. Northeastern University IRB Division of Research Integrity www.research.neu.edu/research_integrity Application process takes 2-8 weeks

2. NU Guidelines for Informed Consent Statement that study involves research. Explanation of the purpose of study. Expected duration of subject’s participation. Description of procedures. Identification of any experimental procedures. Any foreseeable risks or discomforts. Any benefits that may be reasonably expected (including compensation). Any alternatives to participation. Confidentiality of records. If more than minimal risk: compensation and/or medical treatment available. Whom to contact for more information. Participation is voluntary. No penalty for refusal or withdrawal.

3. NU Guidelines for Student Research Projects Involving Human Subjects If… Intent is to gain practice in the process of doing research Study is “small” Results will not be published Participants are not identified Subject matter is “benign” No (active) deception Then, can proceed without IRB approval. But, Must submit proposal to instructor first. Must obtain verbal consent. Must give instructor as point of contact if any questions.

4. Example Verbal Consent “Hi, I’m conducting a survey to find out what people think about putting computers in the Curry center food court. I’d like to ask you some questions and it will just take 5 minutes. It’s for a course I’m taking in Research Methods from Prof. Carole Hafner in the College of Computer and Information Science. Your participation is voluntary and you can stop anytime and ask that your data not be used. Can you help me out with this?”