Policy for BYU Research in the School of Family Life (SFL)
Child and Family Studies Laboratories (CFS Labs)
1. BYU faculty who wish to access children, parents, and/or teachers from the SFL CFS Labs for the purpose of
conducting research will complete and submit an official application form to the Director of the CFS Labs
(1099 JFSB) by August 1st. The application form includes a proposal that will include an outline of the
research needs for the following academic school year. Notification of the acceptance of the proposal will
be given by August 15th. Any research proposal submitted beyond the August 1st deadline will be evaluated
on a case-by-case basis.
2. After notification of acceptance, obtain IRB approval.
3. After the BYU IRB approval is secured, please provide a copy of the IRB approved proposal to the Director of
the CFS Labs. If there are any questions or concerns, the proposed research project will be directed to the
Chair of the SFL Faculty Steering Committee of the CFS Labs. The Chair of the SFL Faculty Steering
Committee will evaluate the research proposal for procedures and methodology (e.g., is the protocol
appropriate for the age-groups?). If the Chair determines that there is a problem with the protocol and or
methodology, the Chair will consult with at least one or more Steering Committee member in resolving the
concern.
4. The SFL Faculty Steering Committee (which includes the Director of the CFS Labs) will do the best they can
to accommodate all reasonable BYU research projects (for example, stagger start times within semesters,
alternating semesters, etc.).
5. In the event there are multiple or competing/conflicting research demands for use of the School of Family
Life Child and Family Studies Labs in any given semester that cannot be easily scheduled:
The SFL Faculty Steering Committee will evaluate all competing proposals using the following guidelines:
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BYU faculty research has priority over graduate student research.
BYU faculty research from the College of Family Home and Social Science has priority over
faculty research from other colleges.
One consideration in assessing priority will be whether the proposed research project will be
helpful to a faculty member seeking continuing faculty status.
6. Appeal process: In the event that the research petitioner has a disagreement with the decision of the SFL
Steering Committee’s ruling regarding research priority, scheduling, or appropriateness a written appeal
can be made to the School of Family Life Executive Council (SFL Director and Executive Council) who will
render a final decision.