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AAHRPP Interview Preparation Guidance

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Site Visit Information

Dates: Thursday, February 9, 2023 - Friday, February 10, 2023

Location: Virtual Site Visit using Zoom
                 Each interviewee will receive a Zoom link with video and audio call-in information.

Time: Each interview is scheduled at a particular time. You will receive a meeting invitation for your interview time. Please remember to be on time for your interview, as the interview sessions are exact.

All Interviewees

Successful interviews are a critical part of maintaining accreditation. We are relying upon you and your commitment to protecting human subjects to reflect the high quality of our HRPP. We have created a series of AAHRPP interview prep sheets to help you. Each prep sheet will focus on a specific role and describe the responsibilities for that role.

General Interview Tips

1. Know Your Resources

During an interview, you may be unsure whether you know the right answer but you can always respond by knowing where to find the right answer. AAHRPP interviewers want to see that you are familiar with the information and services available to you. It is important for you to know where to find help when you have questions

2. Answer Questions Directly

Answer questions as directly as possible. AAHRPP site-reviewers have a short block of time to conduct the interview. Only provide information relevant to the question, and please try to stay on topic.

3. Reserve Complaints

Please do not use your time in the interview to complain about the research review process at WVU. The HRPP encourages communication from the research community, including complaints or suggestions, and broadly advertises the opportunity to provide such feedback. As always, you are welcome to provide any complaints, concerns or suggestions to the IRB or to the Office of Human Research Protections. Please see the Contact Us page on WVU OHRP’s website for contact information.

4. Areas of Focus
  1. What are your roles and responsibilities in the Human Research Protection Program? Focus on philosophical aspects (ethical reasoning) of your role first, then know the regulatory details. 
  2. What is your general understanding of the full process for the review and conduct of research? What are the specific details for your part in that process?  
  3. Where do you obtain answers for ethical/regulatory behaviors expected of you in conducting research duties?
  4. How do you access institutional policies and procedures relevant to your role?  
  5. What human subjects research training or education have you received and how it is utilized in your role? 
  6. How do you handle problems that are discovered with the research review process or the conduct of specific research protocols? 
  7. How do you ensure compliance with your part of the research process, including quality improvement and assurance activities that you conduct?

Focused Preparation by the HRPP Role

Researchers and Research Staff
Study Guide/Potential Questions for Researchers and Research Staff

IRB Members
Study Guide/Potential Questions for IRB Members

WVU OHRP/IRB Staff
Institutional Officials (Vice Presidents for Research, etc.):
Conflict of Interest
Office of Sponsored Projects
General Counsel
Investigational Pharmacies
Clinical Trials (CTSI, CoE) Representatives