Conduct of Research Involving Human Subjects

Research involving human subjects is different from other research. Because the collection of data from humans can involve risk to the health and emotional well-being of the subjects, special guidelines exist, and certain issues should be considered by the investigator before embarking on a study involving human subjects.

The purpose of this document is to identify some of the issues faculty researchers should be aware of, to delineate the responsibilities of the investigators, and to explain the policies and procedures of the College's Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the cases in which review must or should be sought from the review board.

These guidelines exist to:

1. help ensure the protection of human participants used in research projects,
2. provide guidance to researchers in the design of experiments to ensure that the information being sought will be obtained in an ethical, safe, and confidential manner, and
3. provide a process that encourages the review of experimental protocols by knowledgeable individuals who are not directly involved in the research.

"Research" designates an activity in which hypotheses are tested or theories are developed with the intention of contributing to generalized knowledge. Data collected for public presentation or publication are considered to be contributing to generalized knowledge.

If you are unsure whether you need an IRB approval, try the self-screening questionnaire.