Section 4.9 Conducting Research

Use of Questionnaires

Before distributing any questionnaire, the survey instruments must be approved by the UMaine Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB), in compliance with the federal Reports Act and human subject review board. The procedure applies to all questionnaires, except those used exclusively for program planning and evaluation that is not formally published in a scholarly work. Prior to conducting any research, contact the UMaine Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB) who will help you seek the appropriate clearance. Also, there is required training of all researchers that need to be completed prior to conducting research using human subjects.

Policy and Procedures on Alleged Misconduct

The University of Maine has published Policy and Procedures on Alleged Misconduct in Research and Other Scholarly Activities, in response to federally mandated regulations. This document commits the University to an environment in which the highest ethical standards in the conduct of research and other scholarly activities are maintained. “Misconduct” is defined in this policy and is subject to disciplinary action. Faculty and staff must immediately disclose what they believe to be an instance of misconduct. Guidelines for the conduct of investigations are included.

A complete description of this policy and procedure is available online on the Policy and Procedures on Alleged Misconduct in Research and Other Scholarly Activities page (Office of Research Compliance website).

Policy and Procedures for the Humane Care and Use of Animals

The University of Maine has published a policy and procedures covering all persons associated with the University who use vertebrate animals for research, teaching or testing purposes. This policy is available online:  University of Maine Policies and Procedures for the Humane Care and Use of Animals (PDF).