International or Cross-Cultural Research
The Institutional Review Board at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College requires researchers to take additional steps if the research is international or cross-cultural. Additional CITI Training is needed beyond the basic training. Students must complete their mandatory training, the revised common rule, and these additional modules (ID509 – International Research and ID971-International Studies) if the IRB proposal involves international or cross-cultural research.
“Conducting international research often involves managing multiple sets of regulations, policies, and customs. [These include] the researchers’ institution, the host country, the community where the research will take place, collaboration institutions, and U.S. agency sponsors” (CITI, International Research ID509, 2022).
The Institutional Review Board recommends that students consider the resources available at the Office for Human Research Protections, specifically the International Compilation of Human Research Standards.
The IRB expects that the completed Form A and Consent/Assent Forms will reflect consideration of, and steps taken to accommodate the cultural norms, values, and beliefs of all nations and communities in which proposed research will occur. This consideration will be reflected in all sections concerning, but not limited to, the design of the proposed research, procedures for gaining consent/assent, and distribution of findings and debriefing of participants. Researchers need to consider offering informed consent/assent in the participant’s native language.