An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is an appropriately constituted administrative group that’s formally tasked with reviewing and monitoring research involving human subjects in order to protect the rights and welfare of the subjects.
What role does IRB play in Extension’s evaluation projects?
- For surveys:
- Surveys used for county-level programming are generally exempt from needing IRB approval.
- Surveys developed by specialists should seek IRB approval.
- If you anticipate using results as part of a refereed journal submission, you should include demographic questions and obtain IRB approval.
- For measuring weight and blood pressure:
Resources within Extension to answer IRB questions:
- Dr. Scott Cummings, Associate Department Head and Program Leader for Organization Development; Professor and Extension Specialist
- Specialist with Family and Community Health?
Learn more about Texas A&M University’s IRB program here.