To avoid undue delay in the processing of the research protocols, applicants are asked to make sure the following component is completed:
- All responsible individuals involved with the research that are directly involved with human subject participants and/or human subject’s identifiable data must successfully complete the Social/Behavioral Course, Basic Course IRB training.
- Choose ONLY the Social/Behavioral Course, Basic Course
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Reviewers are given five business days to evaluate each completed protocol.
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Review Application Form
To submit a protocol, please go to: https://era.jmu.edu/
- For more information on how to submit through the electronic Research Administration (eRA) software system, please see Submission Procedure.
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For more information on the difference between Full Board, Expedited, and Exempt review, please see FAQs
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International Research Form
International Research Form (updated 10/25/2022)
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Please complete and submit with the Human Research Review Request Form if conducting research outside of the United States.
Student Email Consent
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For use on protocols which involve research teams of multiple students in order to comply with Virginia § 23.1-405 (C).
Exempt Research Forms
For exempt research that involves interaction with subjects, there should be a process to ask subjects to participate and confirm their agreement. The consent process and documents can be much simpler than those required for non-exempt research.
Exempt Cover Letter
Exempt Consent Form
Exempt Web Cover Letter
Exempt Web Confidential
Confidential Research
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Used when:
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Subject is being interviewed
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Subject is being recorded (audio/video)
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Face-to-face interaction between researcher and subject
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Identifying information is being collected from subject (name, social security number, etc.)
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There are many circumstances where a researcher may choose to protect a subject's identity by not referring to them by name in their research (i.e., use a pseudonym). This serves to make their responses confidential, but is not the same as conducting an anonymous study. There should be a signature block for the researcher(s) and the participant.
Anonymous Research
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Used when:
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Subject's identity to remain "anonymous" ("Anonymous meaning that the researcher can in NO WAY identify the subjects)
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No identifying information is being requested
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A survey/questionnaire is being administered and the researcher will not be present while the surveys/questionnaires are being completed or that the participants will place their completed surveys/questionnaire in an envelope/box to ensure anonymity (Must be stated in the protocol and in the cover letter.)
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There should be a signature block ONLY for the researcher-- the participant should not sign anything in an anonymous study.
Online Confidential
Sample Online/ Email Consent Form
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Recommended for use with email, Qualtrics, or QuestionPro for Confidential Research
Web Anonymous
Sample Online / Email Cover Letter
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Recommended for use when using Qualtrics or QuestionPro for anonymous surveys
Verbal/Oral Informed Consent
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The investigator should convey essentially the same information on the phone as on a consent form.
Assent for Participants Ages 13-17
Parental Consent for Participants Ages 17 & Under
Parental Consent Form- Opt Out
What is commonly referred to as a "passive consent" or opt-out consent procedure is allowable if it meets the conditions for a waiver or alteration of informed consent. The passive parental consent procedure is commonly used in school settings where the following conditions are met:
- The research involves no more than minimal risk to the subjects.
- The waiver or alteration will not adversely affect the rights and welfare of the subjects.
- The research could not practicably be carried out without the waiver or alteration.
- Subject selection is based on classroom membership and not exclusionary.
- Whenever appropriate, the subjects or legally authorized representatives will be provided with additional pertinent information after participation.
The researcher must explain the reasons why the waiver is essential to the study. Inconvenience and expense are not acceptable factors in making a determination about "practicability."
Some school districts require active parental consent regardless of whether waiver or alteration of consent is appropriate. Researchers should check in with the participating school district(s) prior to the development of a passive consent process.
Off-Campus Research
