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Human Subjects Main Page

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General IRB Questions

  1. What is the University's policy for the use of human subjects in research?
  2. What is the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
  3. What are the responsibilites of the IRB?
  4. How does the IRB function?
  5. What is the distinction between the Human Subjects Office (HSO) and the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
  6. Does my project involve human subjects?
  7. What is research?
  8. What are some examples of research with human subjects conducted at the UGA?
  9. What is the difference betwen practice and research?
  10. What is the difference between anonymous and confidential?
  11. Can the Board stop me from conducting my experiment?
  12. Does the IRB serve as a scientific review panel?
  13. My research with human subjects is not funded. Do I still have to submit an application to the Human Subjects Office?
  14. I believe that my study is eligible for exempt status. Do I still need to complete the entire application?
  15. Do student research projects have to be submitted to the IRB?
  16. Is IRB approval required for graduate level research involving human subjects?
  17. Is anyone availabe to speak to classes and/or groups about the IRB process?
  18. Who is responsible for reporting any problems that may occur during the conduct of approved Human Subjects Activities?
  19. What should I do if I know of research that has violated ethics?
  20. What is considered minimal risk?
  21. How can a researcher obtain further information or advice regarding the use of human subjects?


    Submittal and Review Procedures


  22. What materials should I submit to the Human Subjects Office?
  23. Where can I get an application?
  24. May I submit my HSO/IRB application before I have obtained my letters of authorization from participating institutions?
  25. Can applications be sent through e-mail?
  26. Are handwritten applications acceptable?
  27. How long does the approval process take?
  28. May I call about my study?
  29. Will the Human Subjects Office personnel help researchers complete the applications?
  30. What about meeting the Chairperson of the IRB?
  31. Does the project require full IRB Review?
  32. What kinds of activities are considered "normal educational practice"?
  33. Do projects involving students in the Department of Psychology require any additional information in the consent forms?
  34. May deception or misrepresentation be used in studies with human subjects?
  35. May I begin my human subject activity (HAS) before I receive IRB approval?
  36. If I do begin my HAS before I receive IRB approval, what action may be taken against me?
  37. Do I need IRB approval if my Human Subjects Activities will be conducted someplace other than the University campus? Do I need IRB approval if my protocol is already approved by another IRB?
  38. Does the IRB continue to review research once it has been approved?
  39. If I make changes in my protocol does the IRB have to review and approve again?
  40. What is an identifier?
  41. Are any special steps required to protect data collected on film, photographs, and audio or videotape?
  42. How can I speed my proposal through the IRB?


    Consent

  43. When do projects require consent?
  44. Does the project require written consent?
  45. Is it necessary to explain to the subjects ahead of time how data from the study will be used?
  46. Can deception or misrepresentation be used in studies with human beings?
  47. What consent materials are required for research with minors?
  48. What is assent?
  49. Is assent always required?
  50. What do I do with the consent forms once they are signed?

CITI FAQs

  1. Who is required to take the CITI Human Subjects Protection Training?
  2. When will this training requirement begin?
  3. Which CITI training modules should I take?
  4. If my research area or subject population changes, do I need to complete additional learner groups of CITI ?
  5. How long will it take to complete the course?
  6. What is the passing score on the quizzes?
  7. How do I access the quiz for the module?
  8. How will the IRB know my training is complete?
  9. Will the IRB review an initial application if all key personnel are not trained?
  10. Will training of all key personnel be required before IRB approval of Continuing Review or Amendment?
  11. Where do I find the on-line CITI training modules?
  12. Do I have to renew my training?
  13. I forgot my username and/or Password.  What do I do?
  14. Is there a fee?
  15. Are CME /CEU credits available for CITI ?
  16. What if I have more questions?

 

General Human Subjects Questions

1. What is the University's policy for the use of human subjects in research?

The University Policy on activities involving Human Subjects is to fully comply with regulations and follow guidelines defined by the Office for Human Research Protections and to implement principles outlined in the Belmont Report. Any research activity that involves human subjects, whether such activity is undertaken on a large or small scale, whether it is preliminary or fully designed, whether it is conducted by students or faculty, whether it is externally funded or not, and whether it involves minimal risk or more than minimal risk, is subject to the IRB review.

For additional information regarding UGA Human Subjects policy and procedures see the IRB Guidelines for Investigators.

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2. What is the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

The IRB is the University of Georgia's committee that reviews and approves protocols for the use of human subjects in research. Federal regulations require that the IRB membership represent a variety of backgrounds, training and experience. At least one IRB member must have no formal or family connection with the University. At least one member must be a non-scientist.

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3. What are the responsibilities of the IRB?

The IRB reviews research protocols to ensure that the rights and welfare of subjects are protected and that the proposed use of human subjects is in compliance with Federal regulations, state laws, and the UGA policy.

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4. How does the IRB function?

The Board meets monthly. Meetings are typically held on the last Friday of each month. Board approval requires a majority vote of a quorum of members. The Board may require additional information or modifications as conditions for approval. The Board may also "table" the application until more information is provided or until significant changes are made. You will be notified of the Board's decision.

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5. What is the distinction between the Human Subjects Office (HSO) and the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

The HSO is an administrative office, provides support for the IRB and is responsible for the review and approval of applications for certain categories or research with human subjects/participants. The IRB is a committee of researchers and community members that review human subjects research.

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6. Does my project involve human subjects?

Human Subject refers to an individual, living or dead, about whom a researcher obtains:

  1. Data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or
  2. Identifiable private information.

Intervention includes both physical procedures, by which data are gathered (for example, venipuncture), and manipulations of the subject or the subject's environment that are performed for research purposes. Interaction includes communication or interpersonal contact between researchers and subjects.

Private information includes information about behavior that occurs in a context, in which an individual can reasonably expect that no observation or recording is taking place, and information, which has been provided for specific purposes by an individual and which the individual can reasonably expect will not be made public (for example, client or medical records or information obtained in an interview).

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7. What is research?

Research is defined as a systematic investigation that contributes to the larger body of knowledge of any given discipline. This includes collection of scholarly materials for theses and dissertations done by students, and investigations carried out by faculty and staff for publication and/or presentation.

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8. What are some examples of research with human subjects conducted at the UGA?

Examples include psychological experiments, questionnaires, in-person and telephone surveys, interviews and focus groups, educational and behavioral tests, review of medical or other records, observation of public or private behavior, including classroom observations, and taste tests. Also included are physical procedures like blood tests, MRIs, DEXAs and X-rays. Please refer to Section 1 of the Guidelines for further information.

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9. What is the difference between practice and research?

"Practice" consists of interventions designed to enhance the well being of a patient or client. "Research" is designed to test hypotheses, permit conclusions to be drawn and thereby develop or contribute to the larger body of knowledge. Research and practice can be carried out together. However, as a general rule, if there is any element of human subject research in an activity, then that activity should be described in an application for submission to the IRB.

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10. What is the difference between anonymous and confidential?

By anonymous the IRB means that the researcher cannot link the data to the participant. Confidential means that the researcher may be able to identify a participant’s data but will not reveal the participant’s identity to anyone else. Person-to-person interviews, for instance, are never anonymous.

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11. Can the Board stop me from conducting my research?

Yes. The IRB has the authority to disapprove, suspend or terminate research that is not carried out according to its requirements or may be associated with unexpected serious harm to subjects. Any such step shall include a statement of the IRB's reasons for its action and will be reported promptly to the principal investigator, the Vice President for Research, and the funding agency.

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12. Does the IRB serve as a scientific review panel?

No, but if a proposed project appears to lack scientific merit or rigor, or duplicate existing work with more than minimal risk to subjects, the Board is required to consider whether the benefits to individual subjects and society outweigh the potential for harm to them.

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13. My research with human subjects is not funded. Do I still have to submit an application to the Human subjects Office?

Yes. All research that involves human subjects/participants must be reviewed and approved by the HSO or the IRB. For more information on UGA policy and procedures for research with human subjects/participants read the IRB Guidelines.

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14. I believe that my study is eligible for exempt status. Do I still need to complete the entire application?

Yes.  The federal regulations allow six specific categories of human subjects research to be exempt from continuing IRB review.  However, the UGA IRB requires that such activities be reviewed and approved.  Only the IRB/HSO can make a determination if any of the exemption categories may apply.  Approval is granted for five years; any modifications must be submitted through an Amendment Form, reviewed, and approved prior to implementation.

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15. Do student research projects have to be submitted to the IRB?

Course instructors who assign human subjects related class projects receive a research exemption from the HSO/IRB. For additional information please read the "Class Projects Exemption" Section XII of the Guideliness.

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16. Is IRB approval required for graduate level research involving human subjects?

Yes. Master’s thesis or a Doctoral dissertation research is considered research and must be approved by the IRB. Failing to obtain approval may result in disqualification of these activities in application towards a degree program.

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17. Is anyone available to speak to classes and/or groups about the IRB process?

Yes, the Human Subjects Office staff is available to discuss the importance of protecting human subjects/ participants and the procedures with any group on campus.

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18. Who is responsible for reporting any problems that may occur during the conduct of approved Human Subject Activities?

Researchers and Department Heads are responsible for reporting promptly to the IRB any serious or continuing noncompliance with federal regulations, or university policies, or injuries to subjects, unanticipated problems, and changes proposed in research activities. Research related problems should be reported to the IRB Chair at 542-3199 or e-mail at IRB@uga.edu

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19. What should I do if I know of research that has violated ethics?

You should notify the chair of the department and/or the Human Subjects Office. If you have any concerns or are uncertain about what constitutes a violation, please contact the HSO at 542-3199 or e-mail at IRB@uga.edu. For more information read Section XI of the Guidelines.

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20. What is considered minimal risk?

Minimal risk means that the probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated are not greater in and of themselves than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine physical or psychological examinations or tests.

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21. How can an investigator obtain further information or advice regarding the use of human subjects?

Contact the Human Subjects Office at 542-3199 or e-mail at IRB@uga.edu

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Submittal and Review Procedures

22. What materials should I submit to the Human Subjects Office?

1. An original, fully completed Application. Each researcher must sign the application, and for students, the signature of a faculty advisor is also required.

2. All applicable attachments, including consent forms, surveys, interview guides, instruments, recruitment flyers, and letters of authorization from each institution involved other than the UGA.

3. One additional copy of the application and all attachments are also required.

4. For more information, see Section II of the new Guidelines.

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23. Where can I get an application?

Application forms are available on the web. If you are unable to download the application from the web please contact the webmaster at forms@ovpr.uga.edu.

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24. May I submit my HSO/IRB application before I have obtained my letters of authorization from participating institutions?

It is always a good idea to submit your application as soon as possible. You may submit before obtaining written approval from other institutions. Your application will go through the review process without the letter(s) of authorization; however, the IRB cannot give final approval until all letters are on file in the HSO.

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25. Can applications be sent through e-mail?

Yes.  New IRB applications, continuing reviews, and amendments may be sent as email attachments to irb@uga.edu.  However, all of the following criteria must be met to qualify for an electronic submission.

  • Total number of pages for the complete application must be 100 pages or less.
  • Application and all supporting materials (e.g., consent document/s, instrument/s, letter/s of authorization, etc.) must be submitted in electronic form (i.e., HSO cannot accept an application via this method if some materials can only be submitted as paper copies).
  • Signature page/s must be sent by mail, fax (706.542.3360), or scan to email with the electronic submission.

Word format is preferred except for other documents (e.g., authorization letters, instruments) that must be scanned and attached as a pdf file.

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26. Are handwritten applications acceptable?

No. The cover page may be legibly handwritten. All other pages must be typed on the application form or prepared on computer by the applicant following the designated format. Handwritten applications will be returned to the researcher or faculty advisor without being reviewed. The entire application is available on the web and can be completed before being printed.

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27. How long does the approval process take?

The Institutional Review Board strives to review and approve every application as quickly as possible, but the process may take from a few days or weeks, depending on the individual project and the work load of the Human Subjects Office and the IRB.  The researcher has a significant influence on the approval time, i.e., a complete and well-prepared application, and a prompt response by the researcher on any request for modifications and/or additional information will help speed the approval process.  For more detailed information regarding review levels and approximate processing times see Section III of Guidelines on time considerations for review.  It is the researcher's responsibility to submit an IRB application as far in advance as possible in order to meet research deadlines.

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28. May I call about my study?

Yes, you may call the Human Subjects Office at 542-3199 to learn the status of your application after you have submitted an application. You may learn where your proposal is in the review process. If any changes are required, you will receive an email detailing the changes. Your study can only be approved after all the changes have been made and submitted. When your study is approved you will receive written notification from the Human Subjects Office. Do not begin data collection until you receive written approval from the HSO. If you do not hear from the personnel at the Human Subjects Office, it is your responsibility to inquire about the status of your application before you begin your data collection.

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29. Will the Human Subjects Office personnel help researchers complete the applications?

Yes, the HSO personnel are pleased to give advice and guidance. Please feel free to call us at 542-3199 or e-mail at IRB@uga.edu if you have questions. You will not be penalized for incomplete or incorrect answers on your application; you will be asked to correct them.

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30. What about meeting the Chairperson of the IRB?

The IRB Chairperson will be pleased to meet with you, but we recommend that you make an appointment. Please call 542-3199 for an appointment.

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31. Does the project require full IRB Review?

Some projects may meet the criteria set forth by the federal regulations for administrative (exempt) or expedited review, and will not require full IRB review. All research that involves more than minimal risk and/or does not clearly fall into one of the administrative (exempt) or expedited categories will be reviewed at a convened meeting of the IRB.  The vulnerability of the targeted population is also a determining factor in the type of review.  Please refer to Section I of the Guidelines for a detailed explanation of the different levels of review.

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32. What kinds of activities are considered "normal educational practice"?

Generally, normal educational practice means activities that would occur in a given educational setting regardless of whether or not a study was being conducted. Such activities must not be disruptive to the normal classroom routine and do not require students to undertake any tasks specifically designed for a particular project.

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33. Do projects involving students in the Department of Psychology require any additional information in the consent forms?

Yes. If students are required to participate in the subject pool you must make clear the terms under which they will receive credit for full or partial participation, their freedom to not take part in all or any part of the research, and the alternative ways in which they might fulfill their course requirements. In all human-subject activities where sensitive issues of personal behavior, depression, addiction, substance abuse, dietary disorders, suicidal tendencies, sexual disorders might be revealed, you must include on the consent form sources of professional consultation and care. In addition, efforts must be made to insure that all participants are legally adults.

Because many human subject activities, particularly in Psychology, are conducted in the context of both teaching and research, you must provide the subjects with an oral or written explanation (debriefing) of the nature, design, and implications of the project even if deception is not a part of the experiment. A debriefing script or form must be submitted with the application as an attachment.

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34. May deception or misrepresentation be used in studies with human subjects?

Yes, if the benefits outweigh the risks to the subjects for participating in such a study, and if the researcher provides a compelling scientific justification for such experimental manipulation. For research where deception or misrepresentation is involved, the subjects must receive an explanation (a debriefing) about the nature of the experiment and why such manipulation was critical to its success. Such a form should be included with the materials submitted for IRB review and approval. All research that involves deception must be approved by the HSO.

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35. May I begin my human subjects activity before I receive IRB approval?

No. All research involving human subjects must be reviewed and approved by the IRB before the research can be conducted.

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36. If I do begin my human subjects activity before I receive IRB approval, what action may be taken against me?

Any extramural study may be terminated/suspended by the IRB, which could lead to the loss of funding. Graduate students who begin human subjects research before the IRB has approved the research may be denied permission to graduate by either their department or by the Graduate School. For additional information refer to Section XI of Guidelines.

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37. Do I need IRB approval if my Human Subjects Activities will be conducted someplace other than the University campus? Do I need IRB approval if my protocol is already approved by another IRB?

Yes. To ensure that the UGA's researchers comply with federal and university regulations, it is important that the University, through the IRB, be aware of where and by whom such activities are being done, even if conducted in a foreign country. In many cases the researcher must provide written authorization from that locale.

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38. Does the IRB continue to review research once it has been approved?

Yes. The Board is required to conduct continuing reviews of applications at intervals appropriate to the degree of risk, but not less than once a year. The Board also has the authority to observe or have a third party observe the consent process and the approved activities. Most continuing reviews are conducted through a questionnaire reporting the status of the project, completed by you and returned to the HSO. For additional information refer to Section IX of Guidelines.

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39. If I make changes in my protocol does the IRB have to review and approve again?

Yes. Any changes to your protocol must be reviewed and approved by the Board. In most cases, however, this can be done quickly through an expedited review by the IRB chair and/or selected members of the Board. For additional information, refer to Section V of Guidelines on Researcher Responsibilities.

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40. What is an identifier?

The term "Identifier" refers to any information that could be used to match the data with the individual subject. Some examples are the subject's full or partial name, initials, social security number, and phone number.

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41. Are any special steps required to protect data collected on film, photographs, and audio or videotape?

Yes. The subject must be informed that the data is being collected through such recordings unless approval for deception has been granted by the IRB. Consent forms must describe specifically who will use these recordings, how they will be used, for what purposes, how long they will be stored, and how they will be disposed of at the end of the study. Use of such data for other purposes must be disclosed and permission obtained for subsequent use in a special part of the consent.

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42. How can I speed my proposal through the IRB?

The IRB is responsible for reviewing and approving your application to use human subjects, but is not responsible for meeting research deadlines and cannot predict or guarantee approval dates. Fill out forms accurately and completely, and submit an original plus one copy of all materials as early as possible to meet your deadlines.

CAREFULLY read all of the Guidelines for Researchers.

  1. Complete each section of the application form fully and accurately. Leave no blanks in your application; type and answer all questions. If a question is not applicable, answer "not applicable." This includes the question concerning funding. If the IRB must call or write for additional information, or wait for a second copy of your application, approval of your study will be delayed. Be sure the phone number and/or e-mail address you provide on the application form is one where you can be reached during the day or a message can be left for you. If you do not understand an item in the application form, call the Human Subjects Office at (706) 542-3199 or e-mail at IRB@uga.edu
  2. Carefully write your consent form(s) or cover letter(s). Tell the research participants as much as possible depending on their level of understanding and without compromising your study. If you cannot give them all the details, let them know you are withholding certain information, and that you will provide a full explanation at the end of the study. Do not make your final copies until the IRB has approved your research.
  3. Don't forget to sign the application form. All researchers must sign the application cover sheet, not just the Primary Investigator (PI). If you are a student or non-faculty, it is necessary that a UGA faculty member supervise the research and sign in the space designated for faculty oversight.
  4. The IRB and its staff work very hard to approve your projects as quickly as possible. However, there are instances when they are unable to reach you to discuss some point in your study. If you do not receive some word from the Human Subjects Office within a reasonable period of time (4-6 weeks), call the office at 542-3199 or e-mail at IRB@uga.edu to learn the status of your study.

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Consent

43. When do projects require consent?

Consent is required from any human subject in research unless informed consent has been specifically waived by the IRB. The IRB may waive consent if the project involves no more than minimal risk; the waiver doesn't adversely affect subjects; the research couldn't practicably carried out without the waiver; and, where appropriate, subjects are given information about the project afterwards. Otherwise consent must be obtained. For additional information on Consent requirements see Section VIII of Guidelines.

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44. Does the project require written consent?

The IRB may waive written consent if:

1. Signed consent is the only record linking the subject to the research and the greatest risk of the research is a breach of confidentiality; OR
2. The research presents no more than minimal risk and involves procedures for which consent wouldn't normally be obtained outside of the research context.

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45. Is it necessary to explain to the subjects ahead of time how data from the study will be used?

Yes. If data obtained will be made available to any person or organization other than the subject, the researcher, and the researcher’s staff, the informed consent must disclose: the person or agencies to whom information will be furnished; the purpose of the disclosure; and the nature of the information to be furnished.

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46. Can deception or misrepresentation be used in studies with human subjects?

Yes, if the benefits outweigh the risks to the subjects for participating in such a study, and if the researcher provides a compelling scientific justification for such experimental manipulation. The participants must be informed that some information is being withheld until the end of their participation. See the consent form guidelines for the recommended wording for this deception statement. If deception or misrepresentation is involved, the subjects must receive an explanation (a debriefing) about the nature of the experiment and why such manipulation was critical to its success. Such an explanation should be included with the materials submitted for IRB review and approval.

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47. What consent materials are required for research with minors?

Human Subject Activities with minors requires completion of a parental consent form and an assent form. To avoid delays in the approval of your application, follow the guidelines for informed consent (see Section VIII). For additional information for research with minors refer to Section VI.

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48. What is assent?

Assent refers to agreement by a minor or incompetent adult to participate in Human Subject Activities. Assent must be accompanied by consent form a parent or guardian. The assent form must be written in the simplest terms possible. The participants must be able to comprehend what they are being asked to do. See Section VIII Part F.

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49. Is assent always required?
Assent must be sought from the child unless: 1) the child is incapable of providing assent (due to age or condition), or 2) the intervention holds out the prospect of direct benefit to the child and the intervention is available only in the context of the study. In these two situations, consent from parent(s) is sufficient.

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50. What do I do with the consent forms once they are signed?

You must keep the signed consent forms in a secure location. These consent forms must be retained for a period of three years after the study is complete. For some disciplines the forms and data must be kept longer. For example, the American Psychological Association requires forms and data be kept for six years.

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CITI FAQs

1. Who is required to take the CITI Human Subjects Protection Training?

The CITI training is mandatory of all key personnel identified on any human subjects research protocol. Key personnel is defined as individuals who will play a substantial role in the human subjects research. This includes all faculty, staff, and students who are engaged in the planning, conduct, or analysis of research (including individuals responsible for obtaining informed consent and those with a major authorship role when work is reported), whether the research is funded or not. If you are working on a human subject research project in which some of the other investigators are not affiliated with UGA, these other individuals are still required to complete the CITI training. It is the principal investigator's responsibility to ensure that all key personnel have taken the tutorial.

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2. When will this training requirement begin?

The training will be required of all key personnel beginning January 1, 2006 .

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3. Which CITI training modules should I take?

Researchers should select the track that is most appropriate to the type of research that will be conducted.  The Social and Behavioral Research Module (S&BR) relates to studies on sociological, psychological, anthropological, or educational investigations including observational and survey research and work with population and/or epidemiological studies. There are also specific S&BR tracks if your research involves children, foreign countries (international), internet, or prisoners. The Biomedical Research Module would apply for medical, physiological, or pharmacological studies.

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4. If my research area or subject population changes, do I need to complete additional learner groups of CITI ?

There are instances when your research area or subject population may change, and certification in your initial Learner Group is no longer sufficient.   For instance, a researcher initially conducted basic behavioral studies (i.e., completed Group 1 - Social and Behavioral Research) and later wishes to conduct a study with children in public elementary schools. Two additional modules - Research with Children and Research in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools - must then be completed.

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5. How long will it take to complete the course?

Each CITI module has text to read and a quiz to complete.  The average learner spends approximately 2 to 3 hrs in the Basic Course site. You may use multiple log-ins to complete the course but you should take the quizzes immediately after completing each module.

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6. What is the passing score on the quizzes?

A passing score of 80% is required.  If you are not satisfied with your score, you can retake the quiz.

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7. How do I access the quiz for the module?

The links to the quizzes are at the bottom of each module in the footer of the page. You may access the quiz by logging on to the site and going to the Learners Menu. Once you are at the Learners Menu, click on either the Basic Course or the Refresher Course to access your Grade Book. There are links in the Grade Book to provide you access to all the modules.  You must complete the first required module before you can access the next module.  As you complete modules, the next module in the sequence will become available.  After all required modules are completed, the optional modules will become available for you to review.

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8. How will the IRB know my training is complete?

The software will track your progress through the course.  The Grade Book will provide a list of the modules you have completed, and those remaining to be completed in your required course of instruction.  When all required modules have been completed with a passing aggregate score, the software will provide you with a link (at the bottom of the Grade Book page) to print or download your course completion report. This report is like a transcript and will provide a detailed record of the completed modules. You should save an electronic or hard copy (or both) for your records. An electronic notification will likewise be sent to our office.

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9. Will the IRB review an initial application if all key personnel are not trained?

Yes, the IRB will review the initial application. However, the protocol will not be approved until all key personnel are trained.  So it is highly recommended that training be completed at the time of protocol submission, and a copy of the Course Completion Report attached to your human subject protocol application.

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10. Will training of all key personnel be required before IRB approval of Continuing Review or Amendment?

As with initial reviews, the IRB cannot reapprove protocols at the time of their continuing review unless all key personnel have been trained. If the IRB cannot complete the reapproval process because key personnel have not been trained, the protocol will be suspended and subject accrual must cease immediately. When new personnel will be added to a project, this is considered an Amendment that must first be approved by the IRB.  Training certificates for any new key personnel must also be submitted with the submission of the IRB Request for Continuing Review or Amendment.

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11. Where do I find the on-line CITI training modules ?

The training site can be found at https://www.citiprogram.org/default.asp.

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12. Do I have to renew my training?

Certification will be valid for five (5) years from the date of initial training completion. CITI offers a refresher course which must be completed every 5 years.

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13. I forgot my username and/or Password.  What do I do?

You may utilize the automated username/password retrieval system by clicking on the "Forgot Username and Password" link located on the left of the Welcome page.   If you made an error in providing your email address or there are firewalls to prevent HTML attachments, your request will not be filled and you will need to contact CITI Support at 305.243.7970. 

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14. Is there a fee?

There is no fee for individual users. The University pays a flat annual fee regardless of the number of users.

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15. Are CME /CEU credits available for CITI ?

Yes.  The main CITI website provides links to apply for Continuing Medical Education/Continuing Education Units ( CME /CEU) credits through the University of Miami CME office.

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16. What if I have more questions?

Please contact the UGA IRB at IRB@uga.edu if you have any questions about the training requirements. If you are having technical problems with the CITI site or course, contact the CITI Office at citisupport@med.miami.edu or at 305.243.7970 .

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The Office of the Vice President for Research
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