Methods:  Five hundred “transitional” members of NASW – MSWs with less than three years experience – were randomly selected from nearly 4,000 nationally.  A mailed survey, with an extensive cover letter, was employed.  The survey covered demographics, content on general ethical issues included in the NASW Code of Ethics and specific information about federally constituted IRB composition, processes and procedures.  Using Dillmans’ Tailored Design Method follow-up mailings were employed.  We obtained 130 responses (26%), plus emails from 10 who refused to participate.

Results:  These recent MSWs generally understood the principles of protecting human research participants.  They affirmed the importance of beneficence (98%) and voluntary, informed research participation (>95%).  However, they often cited the NASW Code of Ethics, which includes no procedural content, as the source for both principles and procedures for informed consent.  Very few respondents (6%) saw social justice as relevant to research though it is a key Federal principle the Code does not address.  A majority were unable to correctly identify key elements of consent forms required by federal standards.  A majority were also unable to correctly identify key aspects of IRB composition and procedures, including attention to diversity.  Many noted the survey made them aware of the gaps in their knowledge.  Several others reported the content was totally unfamiliar.

Implications:  Recent MSWs have core knowledge of research ethics and informed consent principles.  However, they are not sufficiently knowledgeable to be producers of research under federal standards.  Recommendations and materials to strengthen teaching about informed consent, and guide producers of research, are offered.