Federal regulations and
policies require IRB approval for research with human subjects. You are required
to submit a formal application if your project or study meets both of these
conditions:
1.
It constitutes
"research" with the intent to develop new or expandable
knowledge.
AND
2.
If human subjects are
involved, either directly or through use of identifiable data about
them.
1. Does my study constitute
"Research"?
According to the Code of
Federal Regulations, Research means a systematic investigation, including
research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute
to generalizable knowledge [45 CFR 46.102(d)]--i.e.,"with the intent to develop
new or expandable knowledge".
a.
Is your study intended to
develop new or expand existing knowledge?
b.
Do you expect or intend to
publish or present the results of your study?
If you answered YES to
(a) and (b), your study is considered to be "Research" and you do need IRB
approval before you can begin your study. If you answered NO to either question,
your study is considered to be "Research” but may be
exempt.
2. Is my study
considered to be research "on Human Subjects"?
a.
Are you planning to obtain
information from or about living individuals?
b.
Will the study involve direct
interaction with individuals OR data linked to personal identifiers?
c.
Will you gather information
that would ordinarily be private?
d.
Will you observe behavior in a
context where the subjects would reasonably expect privacy (e.g., their
homes)?
If you answered YES to
(a) AND one or more of the other questions, your study is considered
to be "on Human Subjects." If you answered NO to all the questions, then
you do not need IRB approval and can begin your study.
3. So do I need to submit an
IRB application?
a. Does your study constitute
"Research"?
b. Is your study considered to
be research "on Human
Subjects"?
If you answered YES to both
questions, then your study or activity is considered "Research on Human
Subjects" and you must submit a formal IRB
application and review the material found on the Principal Investigator’s
Requirements page especially the IRB
Investigator’s Guide. If you answered NO to either question, then you do not
need IRB approval and can begin working on your study.
NOTE: IRBs do not have the option of
granting "retroactive" approval after research is done, so you are strongly
encouraged to submit your research proposal or consult with the IRB if you are
unsure whether you need IRB
approval. You may email your questions to the STRP-IRB Administrator
at: stanglineg@thewrightcenter.org or call 570-348-7648.