What does it mean to conduct human subject research at USM?
Research with human subjects is defined by federal law as any kind of activity that involves “a systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.”1 Though “generalizable knowledge” is the most commonly used criterion, many forms of scholarly work are recognized and regulated as “research”. Examples include case studies, ethnographies, oral histories, and other qualitative data collection. Students can get research experience through data collection exercises, independent study, and collaboration with faculty mentors. No matter how research is defined, students at USM have opportunities to get experience conducting research and thereby enter a level of inquiry and learning that goes deeper than classroom participation and textbook reading. Being engaged in such research involves higher than average maturity and commitment and can fundamentally shape a student’s life-long interests. Research all
