| Roundtable: Evaluation and the Institutional Review Board (IRB): A Tale of Two Cities |
| Roundtable Presentation 711 to be held in Douglas Boardroom on Saturday, November 10, 9:35 AM to 10:20 AM |
| Presenter(s): |
| Oliver Massey, University of South Florida, massey@fmhi.usf.edu |
| Abstract: Evaluation straddles the gap between research and service, concerning itself with both the methodological issues of traditional research studies and practical issues of program management and improvement. These roles lead evaluators to collect and analyze a broad variety of information to better inform program managers about the effectiveness and functioning of their agency and programs. At times these activities clearly involve research, at times activities are clearly consultative. Unfortunately, a huge grey area exists regarding the question of what constitutes research, and what are adequate protections for individuals about whom information is collected. This roundtable is proposed as an opportunity for evaluators, whether university based or not, to discuss the business and activities of evaluation, the concerns for adequate and appropriate protection for human subjects and the interface with Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) that are charged with ensuring the rights of research participants in university linked or federally funded sites. |