Montclair State University IRB has been using the traditional informed consent document for most of the prospective data collection in IRB approved studies. With the new Common Rule and our updated procedures, many studies submitted will be noted to have an Exempt determination.
Exempt Review means that your research is no greater than minimal risk and it falls into one of the designated exempt categories.
Exempt Review does NOT mean that you are exempt or excused from the application/approval process, but that your study may be exempt from certain parts of the federal regulations regarding ethical research oversight including the need for documentation of consent.
For those studies being submitted by the researcher for Exempt determination, the use of a Prospective Agreement Form, with no signature required, will be used to provide key information to potential participants about the study.
Studies that will most likely be eligible for exempt determination and use of the Prospective Agreement Form:
- Research on educational practices such as instructional strategies
- Research using surveys or interviews, if collected anonymously
- Secondary data using identifiable private information
Studies that will be ineligible for exempt determination and will not be able to use the Prospective Agreement Form include (informed consent required):
- Research with minors (with some exception in educational research)
- Research with prisoners
- Research with individuals who are cognitively disabled or have impaired decision-making capacity
- Studies reviewed at the expedited level
- Studies that involve greater than minimal risk
- Studies involving invasive procedures such as blood draw
The IRB Office will make all final determinations on study determinations.
Prospective Agreement Forms Templates
(Note: if your research activity is federally funded, please check with IRB office before use)
- Prospective Agreement Form – In-Person Survey
- Prospective Agreement Form – Focus Group
- Prospective Agreement Form – Interview
- Prospective Agreement Form – Online Survey
How can I be sure about using the Prospective Agreement Form or a standard Informed Consent?
Please contact our office and we will be happy to assist you.