In reading Philippa's and Jo-Anne's responses to Linda's query, I realize how fortunate we are here at Purdue vis-a-vis human subjects regulations. We don't need to apply for exemption or approval from the Purdue IRB for class research/writing projects that are part of our curriculum, even if they involve outside clients. It would certainly complicate the issue if we did have to do that each time. On the other hand, in a graduate seminar on Professional Writing Theory that I teach here, I have students each undertake genre-focused field research in a local organization, and I encourage them to think in terms of publishing their results in a journal in professional/business/technical writing. (Students only take this approach if they feel inclined to do so; any students who don't want to pursue publication, don't need to.) In this case, where the students are aiming to publish their research, they *do* need to apply to the IRB for "human subjects" exemption or approval. Last time I taught the seminar I shepherded six students though the IRB process. In a nice ironic touch, one of the students decided to do her field research on the IRB and the "human subjects" application process, involving the other five students as informants in her research as well as me and the co-chair of the IRB. Graham p.s If you've have received several copies of this message, my apologies; the message was rejected and sent back as "undeliverable" the first couple of times I send it, so at this point I'm not sure what's happening. GS *************************************************************** Graham Smart Office phone: (765) 494-3773 Assistant Professor Office fax: (765) 494-3780 Purdue University Home phone: (765) 583-0674 Department of English Home fax: (765) 583-0674 324 Heavilon Hall mailto: [log in to unmask] West Lafayette http://icdweb.cc.purdue.edu/~gsmart Indiana 47907 *************************************************************** www.hungersite.com www.freedonation.com -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- To leave the list, send a SIGNOFF CASLL command to [log in to unmask] or, if you experience difficulties, write to Russ Hunt at [log in to unmask] For the list archives and information about the organization, the annual conference, and publications, go to the Inkshed Web site at http://www.StThomasU.ca/inkshed/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-