Roundtable: IRBs and Research with Victims

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

Research projects that involve gathering data from victims of crime often trigger full reviews by college, university, and other institutional IRBs (Institutional Review Boards) that are charged with the ethical oversight of research with human subjects. In many cases, those who do research with victims of crime are frustrated by what they see as unreasonable requirements placed on the research by their IRB. This roundtable is designed for those who are doing or hope to do research involving victims of crime. It will include discussion of common concerns voiced by IRBs about research with victims and suggestions for how to address those concerns via study designs that minimize potential harm and using past research on the impact of research participation on victims of crime and those who have been exposed to potentially traumatic events (e.g., Cook, Swartout, Goodnight, Hipp, & Bellis, 2014; Edwards, Probst, Tansill, & Gidycz, 2013; Finkelhor, Vanderminden, Turner, Hamby, & Shattuck, 2014; Shorey, Febres, Brasfield, Zucosky, Cornelius, & Stuart, 2013).

Sub Unit

• Area XIII: Roundtable Sessions

Chair

• Alison Cares, Assumption College

Discussants

• Katie M. Edwards, University of New Hampshire

• Cortney A. Franklin, Sam Houston State University

• Megan Haselschwerdt, Auburn University