All research and data collection activities conducted by College of Education faculty and students which involve human subjects are subject to review.

What does the term "exempt" mean in relation to human subjects review?

The term "exempt" refers to research that may be reviewed through a process called expedited review that does not involve the full human subjects committee. This process is generally faster than a full review.

"Exempt" does not mean that human subjects requirements have been waived for a particular research project or that the researcher does not have to complete a human subjects form. Researchers are not permitted to declare that their own research projects or those of their students are exempt; this is a decision that can be made only by the designated human subjects reviewer.

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What criteria are used in reviewing human subjects forms?

The human subjects form (IRB-1) should provide a brief, but complete description of the proposed research. It should respond adequately to all relevant questions. Handwritten forms are not acceptable and researchers are advised to maintain a back-up copy on their computer or disk to facilitate revisions.

Human subjects reviewers are checking primarily for compliance with protection of human subjects protocol along with clarity in the description of proposed research. The reviewer will also provide a quick check for spelling, language or grammatical errors and will contact the researcher with any questions or suggestions to revise the document. Since this document may be seen by others outside of the university it is important that the approved draft is of the highest quality possible.

The Campus Institutional Review Board Basic Elements of Informed Consent checklist is a useful tool for considering your proposed project in terms of the general requirements for obtaining informed consent from research subjects

Contact Anne Robertson if you have any questions.

How long does it take to obtain human subjects approval?

Most forms require revisions and the researcher will be notified, usually by e-mail, within about five days after their human subjects form is submitted. The length of the review process then depends on how quickly the researcher makes the necessary revisions and resubmits the form and other documents.

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How will I find out whether my project has been approved?

Once your research has received human subjects approval, you and your faculty advisor will both receive a formal approval letter through campus mail.

Please contact Anne Robertson with any questions, if you have not received a statement regarding revisions, or an approval letter, within five days after your submission.

I am planning to do my master's thesis research in an elementary school. Do I have to complete both the IRB-1 form and the Research in Schools form?

Yes. The IRB-1 form is designed to provide approval for human subjects research. The Research in Schools Form provides summary information that will be helpful for placing your research in the appropriate school. It is also forwarded to the Directors of Research, and classroom teachers, at the district level.

Researchers in departments outside the College of Education who wish to do research in the schools must also complete the Research in Schools Form along with their department's human subjects review form or Campus IRB. The researcher then provides a copy of their approved research and the approval letter from their department or Campus IRB.

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I just finished my human subjects form. Can I send it to you electronically for review?

Yes. This is often a good way to begin the review process However, since the forms must be signed, the final draft is submitted as a hard copy only. Fax copies are also accepted, and can be sent to the following fax number: (217) 244-0538.