Protocol for Graduate Student Research when
Extension Employees, Volunteers or Clientele are Proposed Respondents

Extension Personnel who are considering conducting graduate research studies that involve collecting data from a target population of North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) employees, Extension volunteers, or specific Extension clientele from Extension mailing lists are requested to follow the guidelines below:

1. Selecting a Topic

Review the list of potential research topics that are posted on the Personal and Organizational Development website (http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/pods/). These topics have been identified as areas where research in Extension is needed. Consider whether or not any of the proposed topics would fit within the framework of the student's graduate program. Research on these topics are a priority for Extension Administration. Research topics not on the list may be proposed by the student if they are more appropriate for the student's graduate program.

2. Communicating with Extension Administration

It is recommended that the student share ideas for proposed studies in Extension with one or more of the Extension Program Leaders (FCS, 4-H, ANR/CRD, POD). This early communication with a member of Extension Administration is a way of making sure that Extension Administration is fully aware that a potential research project will be forthcoming. Any concerns or potential problems can be surfaced at this time thus avoiding problems which may delay a student's research. This discussion with an Extension Administrator would best occur as the students are seeking initial approval of topics from their graduate advisory committees. It should be noted that communicating with Extension Administration regarding potential research studies has been a traditional, professional courtesy observed in the past. Extension Administration recognizes that direction and approval of graduate research in the final analysis rests with the graduate advisory committee.

3. Selecting Instruments

Data collection instruments should be in compliance with all North Carolina State University guidelines. Tools used for collecting information should be peer reviewed by the graduate committee regarding subject matter appropriateness, technical merit, human subject criteria, animal subject criteria, hazardous materials, and safety compliance.

4. Developing Cover Letters

If the student conducting the project is an Extension employee, the cover letter should clearly indicate that the survey is a part of the students' graduate program and may or may not be an Extension project. If a cover letter requests participation in a study under the umbrella or endorsement of NCCE, it must be submitted to the Extension Council for review and approval. If the student requests that the Director of Extension transmit the data collection instrument under the Director's signature, this request should be made in writing well in advance.

5. Securing Endorsement of Extension Administration

After data collection tools have been developed and pilot tested, the student should make a formal request to present a brief summary of the proposed study with the data collection instrument to the Extension Council. The council may make suggestions for revisions which should be considered by the student and the graduate committee.

6. Collecting Data

When the study and data collection instrument have been endorsed by Extension Administration and approved by the student's graduate committee, it is suggested that the student notify the County Extension Director and appropriate agents in the local Extension centers that a study is being conducted that may involve their Extension volunteers or clientele. This will ensure that the local Extension professionals will be able to answer questions regarding the study.

7. Sharing the Findings

As a courtesy, the student is requested to provide a summary of the results of the study to the Extension Director, appropriate program leaders and others within Extension who may have an interest in the results.