Event Title
Signed Consent or _Signed_ Consent? Obstacles in Obtaining Human Subject Approval for Research into Deaf Culture
Presentation Type
Oral and/or Visual Presentation
Presenter Major(s)
Anthropology
Mentor Information
Deana Weibel
Department
Anthropology
Location
Kirkhof Center 1142
Start Date
10-4-2013 12:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2013 12:00 AM
Keywords
Changing Ideas/Changing Worlds, Culture, Social Science, U.S. Diversity, World Perspective
Abstract
When working with human subjects, a researcher is first required to obtain permission to conduct research. This process is undertaken so that participants in the study experience minimal harm. Therefore, in order to conduct my research into discrimination against the Deaf in Western Michigan, I had to first receive permission to do so by the Human Subjects Board at Grand Valley. However, during the process, five important issues arose. First, I had to explain the cultural and language differences between the Deaf and mainstream Americans. Second, I had to develop a list of questions. Third, I applied for the wrong level of review. Fourth, I had to discuss the importance of retaining any documentation until the completion of my studies. Lastly, I had to prove that I was able to retain the confidentiality of my informants. Therefore, I hope to demonstrate how I overcame these issues and instruct others on how to avoid them when researching cultures that have not been frequently studied.
Signed Consent or _Signed_ Consent? Obstacles in Obtaining Human Subject Approval for Research into Deaf Culture
Kirkhof Center 1142
When working with human subjects, a researcher is first required to obtain permission to conduct research. This process is undertaken so that participants in the study experience minimal harm. Therefore, in order to conduct my research into discrimination against the Deaf in Western Michigan, I had to first receive permission to do so by the Human Subjects Board at Grand Valley. However, during the process, five important issues arose. First, I had to explain the cultural and language differences between the Deaf and mainstream Americans. Second, I had to develop a list of questions. Third, I applied for the wrong level of review. Fourth, I had to discuss the importance of retaining any documentation until the completion of my studies. Lastly, I had to prove that I was able to retain the confidentiality of my informants. Therefore, I hope to demonstrate how I overcame these issues and instruct others on how to avoid them when researching cultures that have not been frequently studied.