Many classroom and service-learning projects don't involve data collection or research; these projects do not require Institutional Review Board (IRB) review. However, if the project is research involving human subjects you must submit a protocol to the IRB.
To make this determination, answer the following two questions:
1. Are Human Subjects Involved?
A human subject is any living individual about whom an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research obtains:
- data through intervention or interaction with the individual
- identifiable private information through direct or indirect means
2. Is it Research?
The definition of research is, “A systematic investigation designed to produce or contribute to generalizable knowledge.”
To determine if it is research, examine how the knowledge is used:
Knowledge that is not research
- Is used for internal purposes only, to improve a curriculum, see if students are graduating.
- No public presentation.
- No publication. (Thesis and dissertation count as publication).
- Student research practica, the goal of which is to provide research training and allow students to practice social psychological, and educational processes (while not reviewed, they should still follow the guidelines for the protection of privacy, dignity and welfare).
Knowledge that is research
- Data is published.
- Data is presented at a conference.
- Data is sent to another organization.
- Directed or independent student research projects, employing systematic data.
- Collection with the intent of contributing to generalizable knowledge.
- When a thesis or senior project is the result.