This is not a comment but a question about gaining access and establishing contact with potential participants. Since my study is not directly related to the site (college/university), will I be violating IRB rule if the contact is made directly to the participants and not through people with authority over the participants? Is it necessary or the need to request permission from the site? The rationale is that I want to avoid the impression that my study is supported and sanctioned by the program deans/director and, also, that this study is being conducted soley at the particular site.

If for example the potential participant is uncomfortable with the direct approach and not through the program director or dean, I will tell the participant to inform the officials about the project and my wish to interview the participant, making clear once again that I am not doing the research about the site. Nevertheless if there is interest by the officials of the program to meet me, I will be happy to do so in order to explain study. On the same token my study is not a secret either.

I look forward reading your thoughts and advice.

Thank you.

You can seek permission from a research site to recruit volunteers. However, you cannot interact with the potential research participants (volunteers) until you receive IRB approval.

For example, if I would like to conduct research at a company and recruit their employees for the research, I would need to get permission from the company saying that it is okay to do so before going to the IRB for review. However, again, I would not be allowed to conduct research or interact with potential research participants until I have received IRB approval from Capella University.

Cynthia