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Dissertation and Applied Doctoral Project Components

The Role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Per federal regulations and National University’s policy, all research proposed by faculty, staff, and students involving human participants must be reviewed and approved by an appropriately constituted committee. At National University, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews and evaluates research proposals, including dissertations and applied doctoral project proposals.

The mission of the National University IRB is to support student success and nurture a university-wide ethical research culture that promotes the practice of robust research while protecting human participants. The primary purpose of the IRB review is to protect from undue risk and ensure the safety, welfare, rights, and dignity of research participants. IRB approval is required for all recruitment and data collection processes. Any interaction with potential participants must be approved by NU’s IRB.

In addition, depending on the nature of your research, you may also need site approval or IRB approval from the institutions or organizations you will be working with as part of your research.

Be sure to visit the IRB website for more information, including templates and instructions on submissions.

For additional resources on the IRB and IRB process, review the items below:

The IRB Preapplication Steps, the Application Process, and Application Specifics

NU Skill Up Series (Producer). (2024, Jan 18). The IRB preapplication steps, the application process, and application specifics [Video file]. National University.

The Institutional Review Board: An Overview of Resources, Services, & Application Process

NU Skill Up Series (Producer). (2024, July 16). The Institutional Review Board: An overview of resources, services, & application process [Video file]. National University.

Data Collection and Data Collection Verification Form

After receiving IRB approval, you can begin collecting data. Once data has been collected, you will complete the Data Collection Verification Form. This form will be submitted to the Doctoral Record for DSE students in DIS-9300X course and to the Applied Doctoral Record for ADE students in DIS-9913X course.