Quantitative Research: What IRBs Need to Know

Explains why and how IRBs must assess quantitative research design as an ethical issue, including risks like poor methodology, participant burden, data privacy, and AI-generated data contamination.

Questions? Contact Us
Scroll Down Arrow


About this Webinar

This webinar examines why quantitative research design must be treated as an ethical consideration within Institutional Review Board (IRB) review, rather than solely a methodological concern. It explains how design flaws, such as inadequate sample size, misaligned research questions, excessive data collection, or unclear consent language; can expose participants to unnecessary burden or risk without a reasonable likelihood of producing valid knowledge. The session reviews common quantitative study types and highlights frequent IRB challenges related to measurement, privacy, informed consent, and the inclusion of vulnerable populations. It also addresses emerging risks, including AI‑generated survey responses and data contamination, underscoring the role of IRBs in assessing data integrity. The webinar concludes with practical strategies IRBs can apply to evaluate quantitative protocols while remaining focused on their ethical responsibilities.

Release Date: April 30, 2026

Language Availability: English

Suggested Audiences: Higher Education Administrators, IRB Members and Administrators

Organizational Subscription Price: Included as part of an annual subscription to our All Access Webinar Package
Independent Learner Price: $49 per person


Webinar Content

Quantitative Research: What IRBs Need to Know

Presented by: Ellen Mink, PhD - Westcliff University

Learning Objectives:

  • Recognize why quantitative design decisions, including study type, research question alignment, sample size, and risk assessment, carry direct ethical implications for IRB review.
  • Recognize IRB review standards for data privacy, informed consent, and vulnerable population protections specific to quantitative research methods​.
  • Describe emerging threats from AI bot contamination in online research and identify questions IRBs should ask to assess data quality and research integrity.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22291 (English)


Learn More

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Your Name(Required)
I'd Like To Receive Emails From CITI Program