Does the collection of data by observation require IRRB review?
Research involving the observation of public behavior, including observation by participants, is exempt, if observations are recorded in such a manner that individual human subjects cannot be identified. The collection of data by observation is also exempt as long as the disclosure of these observations cannot reasonably place anyone at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subject’s financial standing, employability, or reputation. If this observation occurs inside a business or organization, then proper consents need to be obtained from the business or organization.
