Students engaged in human subjects research need IRB approval
Do students conducting research need IRB approval?
Anyone engaged in human subjects research, whether student, faculty or staff, needs IRB approval. The question is not whether research involving human subjects needs IRB approval --it does -- but whether the activity is truly research. If a student and his/her faculty mentor determine that a project is research , then the project must be reviewed by the IRB.
It is sometimes difficult to determine whether a class project is truly "research," and the IRB chair is happy to consult with faculty mentors and course instructors to determine whether IRB review is required for a particular project. When in doubt, it is always better to be cautious to ensure the protection of both the human subjects and the researcher!
The IRB has established a class protocol for streamlining the IRB process when students are engaged in class projects that involve human subjects, and the IRB can work with you to determine an efficient and effective method for protocol review.
It is important to keep in mind that a student who shepherds a proposal through the IRB process gains a deeper understanding of not only the process itself, but also the rationale for human subject protection, and the strengths and weaknesses of their research designs. The IRB is happy to work with faculty and students to make the IRB approval process one that enriches student learning and enhances the research experiences.