What is Human Subjects Research?

You need to submit a research protocol to the IRB-Human Subjects for review and approval if you are doing any research that involves the use of human subjects.  The following are guidelines to assist you in making the decision if what you are doing is research and involves human subjects.

Research is defined as "A systematic investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge."  (45 CFR 46)   

A human subject is involved if:

• The person is alive, and

• Data pertaining to the person will be obtained through:

  • intervention

  • interaction

  • a private confidential source