For IRB purposes, an instrument is any data collection tool that will be used during a study. Therefore, if a researcher is conducting interviews in a phenomenology study, the interview questions or interview guide is considered an instrument.

The IRB must see a copy of all questions that the researcher intends to ask. It is not sufficient to list only the main research question and indicate that questions will flow as the interview progresses. While, the IRB acknowledges that some follow-up questions may need to be asked dependent on participant responses, the researcher must prepare a set of guiding questions.

With respect to observations, the observation checklist, sheet or other tool used to record observation data is also considered an instrument to the IRB.

Copies of any surveys, questionnaires, interview questions, observation protocols, et cetera must be submit to the IRB along with the application for review.