Do course projects involving human subjects require IRB approval?
Not usually. Course-related research projects usually are limited in scope, do not lead to generalizable knowledge and are not undertaken with that goal in mind. These projects are considered classroom exercises and are not subject to review by the IRB. (Please refer to http://www.rfcuny.org/ResCompliance/Student_Research.htmlfor more detail.) However, the course instructor must have completed the CUNY Computer-Based Training Program for Human Subjects Protection before he or she can decide whether an assigned classroom exercise qualifies as “research practica”.
Related Questions
- I generally require my entire class to conduct research projects involving human subjects. Does each student need to file an application with the IRB?
- Must investigators obtain IRB approval before involving human subjects in nonexempt research?
- Do course projects involving human subjects require IRB approval?
