Institutional Review Board
The purpose of the IRB is to protect the rights and welfare of animal subjects and human participants in research activities conducted by Central Methodist University faculty and students. The IRB ensures that proposed research includes humane treatment of animals; that physical, psychological, and social risks to research participants are minimized; and that the risks are commensurate with the importance of the research and/or the knowledge to be gained.
Federal Definition of Research: Research is a systematic investigation--including research development, testing, and evaluation--designed to develop or contribute to generalized knowledge. Activities which meet this definition constitute research for purposes of this policy, whether or not they are conducted or supported under a program which is considered research for other purposes. For example, some demonstration and service programs may include research activities (from 45 CFR 46.102).
Members
| Dr. Christopher Arnold (Chair, Social Sciences) |
| Prof. Jesse Bronson (Social Sciences) |
| Dr. Shayna Burchett (Natural Sciences) |
| Dr. Kevin Carnahan (Humanities) |
| Dr. Crystal Cooper (Nursing/AT) |
| Prof. Maryanne Dunson Winn (Nursing) |
| Dr. Rita Gulstad (Administration) |
| Dr. Ashley Lough (Natural Sciences) |
| Dr. Dori Waggoner (Administration) |
CITI Program Ethics Training and Certification
CITI Training - The CITI Program provides an online ethics training course for researchers planning a study involving human participants. To register, select the institution (Central Methodist University) and provide the requested information. Several modules are available for study, review, and completion. Once you have completed the modules, you can print your ethics certificate. Please include your ethics certificate with your IRB submission. All researchers listed on IRB proposals must have a current CITI certification for their proposal to be considered by the IRB.
The Belmont Report - IRB reviews are guided by the Belmont Report, a foundational U.S. ethics document for research involving human subjects. Published in 1979, it outlines three core principles: respect for persons (treating individuals as autonomous and protecting those with limited autonomy), beneficence (maximizing benefits while minimizing harm), and justice (ensuring the fair distribution of research risks and benefits).
Documents and Links
- IRB Research Proposal Forms for Human and Animal Participants
- IRB Request for Approval form
- IRB Tip Sheet for Human Participants
- Bond IRB Form
- IRB Review Form - Appendix A
Upload Your IRB Documentation
Questions or additional documents to can be emailed to the chair of the IRB.
