Navigating Ethical Oversight in Computing Research: A Case for Umbrella Protocols

J. S. Valacich, J. L. Jenkins, D. Wilson, P. A. Weisgarber, D. Kim, M. Kumar

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Research on behavioral computing often involves human participants, necessitating informed consent and compliance with regulatory standards like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), overseen by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Ethics Committee. Unfortunately, this oversight can cause significant delays and complexity for researchers initiating or expanding a program of research. We advocate adopting an 'umbrella' protocol to streamline the IRB review and approval while supporting flexibility as research evolves. First, we describe our experience with a single umbrella protocol used to collect nearly 8,000 responses across seven main studies and 23 sub-studies, demonstrating how the protocol simplified approvals, ensured compliance, and expedited our evolving research agenda. Second, we provide practical guidelines for implementing an umbrella protocol in a way that supports the IRB or Ethics Committee in safeguarding ethical research. This method effectively manages extensive data collections, enabling iterative refinement of a broad research program. Its success highlights potential gains in research productivity, offering a model for efficient and responsible research management.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2024 47th ICT and Electronics Convention, MIPRO 2024 - Proceedings
EditorsSnjezana Babic, Zeljka Car, Marina Cicin-Sain, Dragan Cisic, Pavle Ergovic, Tihana Galinac Grbac, Vera Gradisnik, Stjepan Gros, Andrej Jokic, Alan Jovic, Darko Jurekovic, Tihomir Katulic, Marko Koricic, Vedran Mornar, Juraj Petrovic, Karolj Skala, Dejan Skvorc, Vlado Sruk, Marko Svaco, Edvard Tijan, Neven Vrcek, Boris Vrdoljak
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1344-1349
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9798350382495
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
Event47th ICT and Electronics Convention, MIPRO 2024 - Opatija, Croatia
Duration: May 20 2024May 24 2024

Publication series

Name2024 47th ICT and Electronics Convention, MIPRO 2024 - Proceedings

Conference

Conference47th ICT and Electronics Convention, MIPRO 2024
Country/TerritoryCroatia
CityOpatija
Period5/20/245/24/24

Keywords

  • Ethics Committee
  • GDPR compliance
  • Institutional Review Board
  • ethical oversight in research
  • research productivity and management

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Control and Optimization
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science Applications

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