Dr. Carolyn M. ByerlyProfessor

Department of Journalism

Research involving human subjects requires their “informed consent,” which involves:

Prior approval by IRB for the research,Use of ethical methods in the gathering of

dataObtaining each participant’s signature on a

consent form that has the “approved” stamp and date from IRB

Is a source of first-person data in research that seeks subjective knowledge

Is the oldest, most original way of gathering data,

Involves the researcher in a more personal way than “objective” approaches (which separate the “knower from the known”), and

Is interactional by nature.

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), or

An interview.

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.

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

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.

1. What is the purpose of the IRB process?

2. How do you apply?3. What do you do if you have to change

something in your methodology after you receive approval?

4. What kinds of things are in the “consent form” that participants sign?

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

FORMS ON LINE AT IRB WEBSITE. ELEMENTS REQUIRED:

Face page (signatures)Purpose + significanceTimeline for workPersonnel (PI + others)Method + proceduresPopulation to be sampledSelection of participantsRisks & benefits to participantsConsent form (*no header or footer)

You must submit a letter to IRB if you:Add or change personnelChange the research procedures

You must receive approval for these changes.

Also remember:You must submit a close-out report.

Always observe the steps associated with “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

A. Interview schedule is another way of saying questionnaire.

B.A questionnaire contains the questions that the researcher will ask participants in the study.

C.The questionnaire is well-organized, and

D.May utilize several 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)

Separate the questionnaire into

Basic data (often best at end) Gender, race, age, education, etc.

Substantive questions Personal experiences Opinions Expert knowledge

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

Question: Why do you believe so few African Americans own radio and television stations?

Probe 1: Is access to capital a consideration?

Probe 2: What about the application process?

Level 1: safe exchangesThanks 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 disclosureHow has loss of your business affected your

life and career?

Keep the interview on trackUse probes or gentle reminders

Let participants skip questions or end early An IRB requirement

Keep clear, accurate records

Problem 1: You want to learn more about how

young professionals use clothing ads to purchase professional attire. What are the benefits of a face-to-face interview over a written questionnaire they can fill out in private?

Problem 2:You have just been hired to help your

professor conduct interviews with middle-aged women to learn whether they pay attention to messages in a local breast cancer prevention campaign. You are still feeling sad over losing your grandmother to cancer and worry this will hinder your effectiveness.

How can you handle this situation?

Problem 3:You want to conduct your dissertation

research on women and men who were sexually abused by their ministers. You know quite a few people in local churches who have had this experience.

Is it ethical for you to include them in your study?