I generally require my entire class to conduct research projects involving human subjects. Does each student need to file an application with the IRB?
In most cases, class projects involving human subjects are not intended to contribute to generalizable knowledge and therefore are not covered under the federal regulations for IRBs. However, IRB approval should be obtained for class research projects if (1) data will be collected from a human subject (e.g., opinions, behaviors, feelings, personal information), regardless of the sensitivity of the data, AND (2) the results of the classroom research project will contribute to generalizable knowledge (e.g., by publishing — including master’s theses; presenting outside the class; citing in another paper; poster presentations). If IRB approval is necessary and a class will be conducting one basic project, the instructor can file one IRB application covering the entire class. If individual students or small groups of students conduct varying types of projects that require IRB approval, then an IRB application from each student or group is required.
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