IRB Process Overview

The IRB is in place to insure that testing on human subjects (even just filling out forms) will have no adverse impact on the test subjects. You CANNOT begin research or data collection until you have received an IRB approval number from the review committee.

The current form for submission to the committee is:

• Argosy IRB forms

The first page of the document is a checklist of items required by the IRB Committee in addition to the completed forms themselves. Key items include:

• You must attach documentation of successful completion of training. You do this by taking a course and test at http://www.citiprogram.org. Create a new account for yourself. The site contains the training and exams. You must present the 'curriculum completion report' page with passing grades as part of your IRB application. Note that the Argosy University section of the exam has been empty. Print the page or save it in an electronic format.
• You must attach a copy of your finished dissertation proposal.
• You must attach the proposal review/acceptance form signed by your dissertation committee. In other words, you can't submit your IRB application until you've had your proposal accepted by your dissertation committee.
• If you will be doing a survey, you must attach a copy of the final survey as approved by your dissertation committee as part of your proposal.
• You must attach a letter of permission to conduct your research if you will be targeting an institution's or orgnization's personnel. For example, you must have written approval of a school superintendent to survey the school's teachers.
• This list is not complete. Only the document above has the complete list.

Submit the completed application to the Education department who will forward it to the IRB committee. Keep a copy of your submission for yourself. Normal response time on the application is 30 days, sometimes shorter for 'exempt' applications.

NOTE: Procedures change over time and these reflect what was current information when last updated. If you have any questions, please contact your faculty advisor or committee chair.