Dr. Carolyn M. Byerly
Professor
Department of Journalism
 Research
involving human subjects requires
their “informed consent,” which involves:



Prior approval by IRB for the research,
Use of ethical methods in the gathering of data
Obtaining each participant’s signature on a
consent form that has the “approved” stamp and
date from IRB
 Is
a source of first-person data in research
that seeks subjective knowledge
 Is the oldest, most original way of gathering
data,
 Involves the researcher in a more personal
way than “objective” approaches (which
separate the “knower from the known”), and
 Is interactional by nature.
Interactional = an exchange between
interviewer and human participant in a
question-answer format.
Interaction can be achieved through traditional
survey method (use of a form that is
completed), or
An interview.
A
qualitative
 interactional method of data gathering
 in which a trained researcher
 uses questions to obtain information
 for a specific purpose
 from human participants
 In face-to-face (or mediated)
communication.
 Human
experience matters in the search for
truth
 Knowledge is always personal
 The “personal” is always original and
authentic
 The “person” is a source of useful data
 Interviews
are a gift – be appreciative
 Use your power wisely – interviews are not an
“equal” relationship
 Listen carefully and clarify when necessary
 Record everything you learn accurately
 Be respectful toward participants
 Stay within the purpose of the interview
 Stay within the bounds of approval by IRB.
1.
2.
3.
4.
What is the purpose of the IRB process?
How do you apply?
What do you do if you have to change
something in your methodology after you
receive approval?
What kinds of things are in the “consent
form” that participants sign?
 Know
who needs to sign off on application
 Write a clear, well-organized application
 Submit it to IRB at least a month before you
plan to start work
 Do not begin interviewing till you get
approval
FORMS ON LINE AT IRB WEBSITE.
ELEMENTS REQUIRED:









Face page (signatures)
Purpose + significance
Timeline for work
Personnel (PI + others)
Method + procedures
Population to be sampled
Selection of participants
Risks & benefits to participants
Consent form (*no header or footer)
 You


must submit a letter to IRB if you:
Add or change personnel
Change the research procedures
 You
must receive approval for these changes.
Also remember:
You must submit a close-out report.
Always observe the steps associated with
“proper interview etiquette”
 Set
appointment in advance
 Clarify purpose of interview
 Specify amount of time needed
 Answer participant questions about project
 Be on time
 Be friendly but professional
A.
Interview schedule is another way of saying
questionnaire.
B.
A questionnaire contains the questions that
the researcher will ask participants in the
study.
C.
The questionnaire is well-organized, and
D.
May utilize several kinds of questions.

Loosely structured (dialogue, open-ended):
Q. What makes a good news program?

Semi-structured (directed open-ended)
Q. Which of the major news programs do you watch?

Structured (closed-ended)
Q. Which of the following radio stations to you listen to?
[list]

Some combination of the above (most are this)
Separate the questionnaire into

Basic data (often best at end)


Gender, race, age, education, etc.
Substantive questions



Personal experiences
Opinions
Expert knowledge
 Closed-ended
questions have limited
selection of choices, e.g.:

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?


Yes____ No ____
Please indicate your annual income:





___ Over $100,000
___ $75,000-100,000
___ $50-000-$75,000
___ $25,000-$50,000
___ Less than $25,000
Question: Why do you believe so few African
Americans own radio and television stations?


Probe 1: Is access to capital a consideration?
Probe 2: What about the application process?
 Level

Thanks so much for coming, especially on such a
cold day. Did you have far to drive?
 Level

2: requires trust
I know you lost your broadcast license in 1999.
Can you tell me more about the situation?
 Level

1: safe exchanges
3: involves full disclosure
How has loss of your business affected your life
and career?
 Keep

Use probes or gentle reminders
 Let

the interview on track
participants skip questions or end early
An IRB requirement
 Keep
clear, accurate records
Problem 1:
You want to learn more about how young
professionals use clothing ads to purchase
professional attire. What are the benefits
of a face-to-face interview over a written
questionnaire they can fill out in private?
Problem 2:
You have just been hired to help your professor
conduct interviews with middle-aged women
to learn whether they pay attention to
messages in a local breast cancer prevention
campaign. You are still feeling sad over
losing your grandmother to cancer and worry
this will hinder your effectiveness.
How can you handle this situation?
Problem 3:
You want to conduct your dissertation research
on women and men who were sexually
abused by their ministers. You know quite a
few people in local churches who have had
this experience.
 Is it ethical for you to include them in your
study?