Geography

Subjectivity, Power, and the IRB

Document Type

Article

Abstract

A substantial literature in social sciences, including law and society, examines the intersections of research ethics and institutional review board (IRB) frameworks. Although geographers have engaged this literature, we argue that further involvement in ethical and regulatory discussions will advance opportunities for better understanding and negotiating the complex subjectivities produced in the IRB structure. Drawing on illustrative experiences of researchers, we focus specifically on the institutions convening IRBs, the researchers, and the human "subjects" produced in the IRB process. We conclude with a call for greater open discussion of the power dynamics, subjectivities, and challenges of formal ethical research structures. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Publication Title

Professional Geographer

Publication Date

2-1-2012

Volume

64

Issue

1

First Page

7

Last Page

15

ISSN

0033-0124

DOI

10.1080/00330124.2011.596781

Keywords

human subject, institutional review board, power, research ethics, subjectivity

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