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DBA · Doctoral Project Sequence

DB-FPX9802: Data Analysis Practice and IRB Approval

The course where you practice data analysis on datasets, secure IRB approval, and begin data collection — bridging the gap between your approved proposal and the actual execution of your doctoral project.

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DB-FPX9802 is where the doctoral project transitions from planning to execution. You practice analyzing datasets and writing results, seek and obtain IRB approval (which may allow actual data collection to begin), and identify communities of interest for disseminating your project results. This course also requires achieving capstone literature review approval from multiple approvers if not already secured. The practical data analysis work here is essential preparation for DB-FPX9803, where you analyze your own project data. This guide covers the assessments and where academic support for DB-FPX9802 fits.

Course Overview

Data Analysis Practice and IRB Approval asks you to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to collect data using appropriate, ethical, and structured processes as described in your approved project proposal. You analyze datasets and write results, seek and identify potential communities of interest for project result dissemination, and work toward IRB approval. If IRB approval is received during this course, data collection may begin. You must also achieve capstone approval from multiple approvers to move beyond this course. The prerequisite is DB-FPX9801.

Key Assessments

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Common Challenges in This Course

IRB approval timing is the biggest variable in this course. Some applications clear in weeks; others require multiple revision rounds, especially if the project involves interviews with employees at a specific organization (site permission letters are frequently missing or inadequate). The data analysis practice is where many students discover gaps in their actual analytical skills — understanding the concept of a thematic analysis or regression model is different from executing one correctly. Start the practice analysis early and use it to identify skill gaps before you have live project data.

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DB-FPX9802 FAQ

What if my IRB approval is delayed past this course?

IRB delays are common and do not necessarily prevent course completion. You can complete the practice analysis and results writing while the IRB application is in process. Actual data collection can begin once approval is received, even if that happens in DB-FPX9803.

What practice datasets should I use?

Your mentor can recommend practice datasets that match your analytical technique. For quantitative projects, publicly available datasets (Census, BLS) work well. For qualitative projects, practice coding with published interview transcripts or similar text data.

Do I need CITI certification before this course?

Yes — CITI human subjects research certification should have been completed in DB-FPX8630 or DB-FPX8730 (or equivalent). It is a prerequisite for IRB submission.

What tools are typically used for data analysis?

SPSS or Excel for quantitative analysis, NVivo or MAXQDA for qualitative coding. Some students use R or Python, but check with your mentor that the tool meets program expectations.

What are dissemination communities?

Professional conferences, industry associations, practitioner journals, and organizational forums where your project findings would be relevant. The DBA emphasizes applied impact, so dissemination plans should target practitioners, not just academics.