Preparing Your Abstract for IRB
Topic 6: Qualifying Exam & IRB

In the course of writing your dissertation you will be completing two abstracts for your study. The first is for the IRB Proposal and the second for the dissertation itself.  They are similar but not identical. Most dissertations and capstones need to go through the IRB process to determine if the study rises to the level of research on human subjects that requires IRB oversight. But before completing the application, you will need to complete an orientation to the purpose and requirements of the IRB, located in the CITI training: 
http://oprs.usc.edu/education/citi/

Check with your Chair and Writing Advisor for assistance with completing the application process – in some cases all you may be asking for is a designation of "not human subjects research" for your study.

Draft your abstract to facilitate the completion of the IRB process. Guidelines for completing the IRB are as follows:

1. State the theoretical framework
   
2. State the purpose of the study, relevant research questions, and study goals/endpoints in response to the research questions
   
3. Describe the methods that will be employed in the study (including the following):
   

• Proposed Participants
  
• Proposed Instruments/Research Design
  
• Proposed Data Collection
  
• Proposed Data Analysis

The abstract guidelines are included in the Powerpoint for Proposal Defense (.ppt).

Additional helpful links: 
http://oprs.usc.edu/upirb/
Student Handbook (.pdf)
Tip Sheet (.doc)
Booklet (.pdf)