Summary
The IRB should pay particular attention to the following issues in survey research: Possibility of undue influence in administration of the survey; Possibility of deductive disclosure based on demographic information garnered from subjects (subject confidentiality and privacy must be protected); The setting of the survey and the issues raised by such a setting; and The mode of obtaining consent, especially when implied consent is to be used.
Body
Title
Office of Human Research Ethics SOP 4401: Survey Research
1. Survey Research
The IRB should pay particular attention to the following issues in survey research:
- Possibility of undue influence in administration of the survey;
- Possibility of deductive disclosure based on demographic information garnered from subjects (subject confidentiality and privacy must be protected);
- The setting of the survey and the issues raised by such a setting; and
- The mode of obtaining consent, especially when implied consent is to be used. Surveys may often involve a waiver of written consent, and in these instances, attention should be paid to the oral presentation of required elements of consent (e.g., review of phone script for telephone surveys).
Contact Information
Policy Contact
Name: Kimberly Brownley
Title: Associate Director of Policy and Initiative
Unit: Office of Human Research Ethics (OHRE)
Email: kim_brownley@med.unc.edu