Institutional Review Board
Purpose
The purpose of Westmont College's Institutional Review Board is to evaluate research proposals using both animal and human subjects.
Please send your complete research proposal to the CHAIR of the IRB
- IRB application form, consent form, and if conducting a survey, all your survey questions
- If you are collaborating with a researcher from another college, BOTH college's IRBs need to approve the proposal. The Principle Investigator's college should approve it first and then the collaborating college's IRB.
Board Membership
Lesa Stern (chair)
Frank Percival
Steve Rogers
Gayle Tucker(Community Member)
Research Involving Human Participants
For research proposals involving human participants, the IRB determines whether the risk to the participants is minimized and is reasonable when weighed against the benefits of the project for its participants and for the advancement of scientific knowledge. In addition, the IRB evaluates whether the selection of participants is equitable and particularly vulnerable populations are safeguarded with respect to their rights and safety. Finally, the IRB decides whether the proposed procedures will keep participants' identity and data confidential, the informed consent form is appropriately informative, the informed consent procedure includes proper documentation, and the proper authority 's (participant or participant's llegal representative) consent is obtained.
IRB Application - Human
Human Injury Form
List of Criteria for Evaluating Research Procedures with Human Participants
Research with Animals
For research proposals involving animal subjects, the IRB determines whether the proposed procedures will cause distress, pain or discomfort in the animals. If any of these will occur, the IRB must then determine whether appropriate relief is necessary, given the research design and goals. In cases where animals will not receive relief from pain, discomfort, or distress, they must be killed painlessly. In addition, the IRB members conduct twice-yearly inspections of the animal care facilities to verify that the living conditions of the animals are comfortable and healthful, given their species, that medical care is available as needed, and those caring for the animals are trained properly, given the species. Finally, the IRB decides whether the euthanasia procedures are appropriate, given the research design and goals.
IRB Application - Animal
Checklist for Inspection of Faculties
List of Criteria for Evaluating Animal Research Protocols
Web Resources for IRB Members and Principal Investigators
PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (tutorial)
APA Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in the Care and Use of Animals
Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
Federal Regulations Governing the Use of Human Subjects in Research
The Belmont Report
APA Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in Research with Humans