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.

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Apr 10th, 12:00 AM Apr 10th, 12:00 AM

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.