IRB;; take three

So I feel like I've done a really good job with taking into consideration everything asked of me for this (hopefully) final revision of my IRB form. I'm all set to start interviews as soon as I hear back from them. I've made so much progress in terms of making contacts and having conversations with helpful individuals. It's been a frustrating but rewarding experience so far. I'm finding that much of what's written about in the Emerson book is completely applicable in my own work;; it's so much more involved than I anticipated. I'm enjoying it though! Hope everyone is well, and thanks for your time.

IRB and Conference

Okay,
So I got my IRB back and it pretty much is along the same lines as the complaints that everryone else recieved.

1). Type of research not indicated.2). Concern over the extremely sensitive nature of the question (c) as written.3). Concern for coercion in the recruitment process for participants. We appreciate the three avenues to seeking participants but want more recognition that friends and family participants require more thought.3). The storage of e-mails from people who contact you to express interest, storage of consent forms. Also, storage of any materials should not remain on a personal computer regardless of whether it is locked in a home. Research materials should be stored in a professor's locked cabinet/office. In the situation where a professor is not tenured or is part-time, these materials should be stored in the department chair's office.4). The location of the interviews needs to be explained. The consent form provides more clarity of questions so move to the proposal, too. Also, need consent form for observation.5). You need to clarify how confidentiality will be protected, including storing identities and interview notes.6). Need to be more thoughtful about potential harm/risk to the participant for discussing medical care and current level of functioning as a pregnant body.7). Use the format of consent form on website for ease in reading.8). The time span for the interviews of 2.5 hours would be excessive in one interview session.10). The stated benefits are poorly articulated.11). Professor signature/name is not included suggesting a lack of review/approval.

These are the concerns: In regards to the first two, what the hell? Type of research not indicated? I'm not quite sure what that even means. And if 2.5 is too extensive, it says at a minimum. Why do I need to give details about things that I can not possibly anticipate - like interview time. Where do they think I'm going to conduct interviews? Some shady alley? It says wherever the informant wants to and I feel as though that gives them not only freedom, but affords the informant a greater level of comfort. I am still confused as to why I can't just be me representing myself versus representing SU.

BUTTTT....my abstract got accepted into the SWAA conference so that's exciting. I'm going to meet with Claudia on Friday to go over my abstract to go over my IRB. Can I go ahead and start anway? If not, are our portfolios submitted to the IRB once they're completed?

with friends like these, who needs the IRB?

I just got my first response from the IRB. Need I say more? Apparently my project lacks any purpose, direction, and clarity, and I am basically worthless as a human being.

That being said, my interview yesterday was bumped-- again-- to this morning and was subsequently snowed out until tomorrow morning.

Today is not a good day for me in the realm of ethnographic research.

IRB and Progress

So things are going half way decent thus far with my research project. I'm having issues with the IRB, however after the brief venting and complaining in class just now I feel confident that I'll be able to move forward and call this process a success. My work initially involved observation on site at the rehabilitation center in a South Austin Hospital. After struggling for the past few weeks in order to get a site letter for the IRB, I've decided equally beneficial observations can be made at outside events held by this program. I'm contemplating moving away from the organization and focusing more on various people and their experiences with disability. I haven't kept up with the blog as much as I should, but I always enjoy reading others entries and learning from their processes of research. It's always helpful and informative. Thanks everyone!

IRB; Revisions Requested

So I got the IRB submitted on Monday night and it felt GREAT. However, the board asks that I make some changes and include a written site letter from the organization I am working with. All and all though, I feel like I'm on my way! What are other peoples experiences with the IRB? Has anyone else had to make corrections?

I also got my abstract in Monday--does anyone know when we hear anything about that?