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Participant Observation Research or Observation Only
Research
Participant
Observation Research
Participant observation research involves collecting
descriptive behavioral data as it occurs spontaneously while the
researcher is participating in a human group or community with
minimal disruption. Data is recorded primarily through
observation and informal interviews and generally meets exempt or
expedited review conditions.
Typically, while seeking written informed consent
from each participant is not practical in these circumstances, the NCF IRB
requires approval or acknowledgement from the group leader the researcher is
seeking to study. An example would be the Director of an HIV clinic if the
researcher is seeking to participate and observe group interactions with
patients. If individual interviews are conducted with
participants, it is important to then get informed consent from that individual
at the time of the interview. If the research is not obtaining
identifiable information from the participant, then a debriefing form may be
used instead of written consent. A debriefing form provides the
participant with all the necessary information about the researcher, the purpose
of the study, benefits and risks in participating and how the participant may
contact the researcher if questions should arise. Remember, participants
have rights in participating (or choosing not to participate) in your research.
Participant observation involving special populations will require further
review. Observation
Only Research
Some behavioral
research involves only observation of people in public places (e.g., observing
shopping or eating habits). Where the subjects are adults, research of this type
is exempt from IRB review unless the information obtained is recorded in such a
manner that the subjects can be identified, and the information obtained could
reasonably place the subjects at risk of criminal or civil liability or be
damaging to the subjects' financial standing, employability, or reputation. For
research to which the DHHS regulations are applicable, observational research
involving the public behavior of children is also exempt, as long as, in
addition to the above criteria, the investigator does not participate in the
activities being observed.
Observational studies
that involve intervention in or manipulation of the subjects' environment do
require IRB review. For example, an investigator studying reactions to
emergencies may want to modify the environment and then observe people's
reactions in public places. Some researchers studying this phenomenon have
contrived "emergencies" with the help of confederates who pretend to have a
heart attack on the subway or to be victims of an assault in a public park.
Responses of passersby are recorded. Because there is a risk of inducing a real
medical emergency or causing psychological distress in a bystander, such
research must be reviewed by an IRB. Similarly, if people are to be observed in
places or circumstances in which they have a reasonable expectation of privacy,
the research must be reviewed by an IRB.
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