Informed consent, human subjects and interviewing

1. Informed consent, human subjects and interviewing Dr. Carolyn M. Byerly Professor Department of Journalism

2. Informed consent • Research using human subjects requires their “informed consent,” which involves: • Prior approval by IRB for the research, • Use of ethical methods in the gathering of data • Obtaining each participant’s signature on a consent form that has the “approved” stamp and date from IRB • Passing the CITI online certification (required for researchers)

3. Characteristics of Human subjects research : • It is a source of first-person data in research that seeks subjective knowledge • It is the oldest, most original way of gathering data, • It involves the researcher in a more personal way than “objective” approaches (which separate the “knower from the known”), and • It is interactional by nature.

4. What is meant by interactional? Interactional = an exchange between interviewer and human participant in a question-answer format. Interaction can be achieved through traditional survey method (use of a form that is completed), Online data gathering, or In a face-to-face interview.

5. What is “interview method”? • A qualitative • interactional method of data gathering • in which a trained researcher • uses questions to obtain information • for a specific purpose • from human participants • In face-to-face (or mediated) communication.

6. Research value of interviews: • Human experience matters in the search for truth • Knowledge is always personal • The “personal” is always original and authentic • The “person” is a source of useful data that will open his or her world and experience in it

7. Ethical guidelines • Interviews are a gift – be appreciative • Use your power wisely – interviews are not an “equal” relationship • Listen carefully and clarify when necessary • Record everything you learn accurately • Be respectful toward participants • Stay within the purpose of the interview • Stay within the bounds of approval by IRB.

8. The IRB process: • What is the purpose of the IRB process? • How do you apply? • What do you do if you have to change something in your methodology after you receive approval? • What kinds of things are in the “consent form” that participants sign? • What is the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) certification?

9. Who has to take CITI? The training requirement applies to anyone conducting human subjects research activities at Howard. This means anyone working directly with human participants or with identifiable data or biological specimens for research purposes under Howard University auspices. Investigators, research nurses, coordinators, students, technicians working with identifiable data, and faculty advisors would all need to obtain CITI certification. http://www.howard.edu/research/compliance/irb/training.html

10. Citi certification: • Is found online at www.citiprogram.org/Default.asp? • Sociobehavioral researchers should take the social science course (among those offered) • Certification is good for two years for Howard personnel and students • Keep the electronic copy of your certificate (which is required with IRB paperwork).

11. Getting IRB Approval • Know who needs to sign off on application • Write a clear, well-organized application • Submit it to IRB at least a month before you plan to start work • Do not begin interviewing till you get approval

12. What to include in your IRB application: FORMS ON LINE AT IRB WEBSITE. ELEMENTS REQUIRED: • Face page (signatures) • Purpose + significance • Timeline for work • Personnel (PI + others) • Method + procedures • Population to be sampled • Selection of participants • Risks & benefits to participants • Consent form (*no header or footer)

13. Changing something in the plan requires IRB approval • You must submit a letter to IRB if you: • Add or change personnel • Change the research procedures • You must receive approval for these changes. Also remember: You must submit a close-out report.

14. A successful interview begins early Always observe the steps associated with “proper interview etiquette”

15. Proper interview etiquette: • Set appointment in advance • Clarify purpose of interview • Specify amount of time needed • Answer participant questions about project • Be on time • Be friendly but professional

16. Q. What is an “interview schedule”? • “Interview schedule” is a researchers’ term for questionnaire. • An interview schedule contains the questions that the researcher will ask participants in the study. • The research schedule is well-organized, and • May utilize several kinds of questions.

17. Kinds of Questions: • Loosely structured (dialogue, open-ended): Q. What makes a good news program? • Semi-structured (directed open-ended) Q. Which of the major news programs do you watch? • Structured (closed-ended) Q. Which of the following radio stations to you listen to? [list] • Some combination of the above (most are this)

18. organizing the questionnaire Separate the questionnaire into • Basic participant data (often best at end) • Gender, race, age, education, etc. • Substantive questions • Personal experiences • Opinions • Expert knowledge

19. Closed-ended questions • Closed-ended questions have limited selection of choices, e.g.: • Do you have a high school diploma or GED? • Yes____ No ____ • Please indicate your annual income: • ___ Over $100,000 • ___ $75,000-100,000 • ___ $50-000-$75,000 • ___ $25,000-$50,000 • ___ Less than $25,000 • Do you consider yourself: a) Liberal b) Conservative c) Neither of these.

20. Questions may include “cues” or probes. Question: Why do you believe so few African Americans own radio and television stations? • Probe 1: Is access to funds a possibility? • Probe 2: Do you imagine most understand the application process?

21. Conducting the interview: • Level 1: safe exchanges • Thanks so much for coming, especially on such a cold day. Did you have far to drive? • Level 2: requires trust • I know you lost your broadcast license in 1999. Can you tell me more about the situation? • Level 3: involves full disclosure • How has loss of your business affected your life and career?

22. Other guidelines: • Keep the interview on track • Use probes or gentle reminders to bring participant back to the subject • Let participants skip questions or end early • This is an IRB requirement • Keep clear, accurate records • This protects you and your human subjects.

23. Problems for discussion: Problem 1: More and more young professionals are using social media in their job searches, but you want to explore how HBCU students are doing this. QUESTION: What is the best way for you to gather this information: • Face-to-face interviews? • Survey monkey questionnaire? • Focus groups? • Something else?

24. Problems for discussion (cont.) Problem 2: Women’s health networks use public awareness campaigns to encourage women over 40 to get regular breast exams for early detection of breast cancer. Your professor has just hired you to help conduct interviews with middle-aged women to learn whether they pay attention to prevention messages. You are still feeling sad over losing your grandmother to cancer. QUESTION: How might you handle this situation so you can be effective in this research?

25. Problems for discussion: Problem 3: Until recently, there has been widespread disapproval of same-sex marriage by many African Americans. You want to learn more about how this disapproval has affected the self-image of young gays and lesbians in the Black community. You know quite a few people in this demographic. QUESTION: Is it ethical for you to include them in your study?

26. Contact info Dr. Carolyn M. Byerly cbyerly@howard.edu 240-821-2859