University Reputation and Student Sex Work
Case summary
Ron Roberts conducted a number of studies on students at his institution engaging in sex work. After one pilot study was published and garnered media attention, he received notification from university administrators expressing concern over how this research might reflect poorly on the university. Later IRB applications on the same topic were either approved with restrictions or denied altogether, despite adherence to best ethical practices (e.g., anonymity of participants).
Note: this account is adapted from Jussim (2024).
What the IRB did
The IRB either denied applications entirely or implemented significant restrictions (e.g., preventing the researcher from recruiting participants from their home institution).
Why this may be overreach
Roberts views the difficulties he experienced as resulting from university administrators' concern for his institution's reputation rather than protection of human subjects.
References
Jussim, L. (2024). How Institutional Review Boards can be (and are) Weaponized Against Academic Freedom. Unsafe Science. https://unsafescience.substack.com/p/how-institutional-review-boards-can