Marketing Instructor Robert Goering has “abandoned all extra-curricular surveys in Marketing Research 443” after inquiries were made concerning the appropriateness of one of the surveys.

“There is a federal provision on human subject research in the U.S. code that bars research in class without departmental approval,” Goering said. “I interpreted the provision to apply to faculty research, so I didn’t get approval for my class surveys. The College of Business, however, interprets it to apply to all research.

“I still believe the activity of my class is exempt, but I stopped the projects to quell rumors the surveys would benefit me,” Goering said.

Goering said he lectures in class on how to do research, then the class forms into groups of about three or four people. “I ask the group members to decide on a project they would like to do, and would be enthusiastic about.”

One group decided on a survey titled “Why the Jungle,” referring to The Jungle, 1027 W. Hillcrest. Jungle co-owner Gene Collin said he did not think the survey was appropriate because Goering is part-owner of McCabe’s Lounge, 323 E. Lincoln Hwy.

“I think it is a conflict of interests for Goering to have members of his class ask other students’ opinions on The Jungle,” Collin said.

Jungle co-owner Lito Neboniachi said he thinks Goering could use the results of the surveys for his benefit, specifically for the benefit of McCabe’s.

Goering said no reports would be issued from the surveys. “The entire project has been halted. There will be no findings, and no results.”

Goering said he had no influence over the topics each group chose. “I told them to pick something they would enjoy. I’ve seen a copy of the survey and the information they would find out is nothing new to me—no trade-secrets.”

Two members of the research group, Mike Gonio and Mike Williams, said Goering did not suggest studying The Jungle. “There are sorority members and fraternity members in the group, and we decided to find out what people on Greek Row like to do. Then we narrowed it down to why people go to The Jungle,” Gonio said.

Marketing Department Chairman Terence O’Brien said he wants to maintain a good relationship with the business community.

“I have talked with the owners of The Jungle, and we are looking into their concerns. Our main priority is the students. We want them to have the opportunity for a good education,” O’Brien said.

University Legal Counsel George Shur said the survey issue has not been brought to the attention of his office. “It’s a matter for the marketing department. We only get involved if the department requests our help.”

Goering said he thinks the survey projects were the best technique to teach his class research strategies. “Students can learn only so much from lectures. The best way to learn is to actually do.”