What Is Human Subjects Research?

Research means a systematic investigation, including research development and testing/evaluation, and is designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. A human subject is a living individual about whom an investigator (faculty or student) conducting research:

1. Obtains information or biospecimens through intervention or interaction with the individual, and uses, studies, or analyzes the information or biospecimens;
   OR
2. Uses, studies, analyzes, or generates identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens.

IRB Tutorial

All investigators (student or faculty) requesting oversight by an IRB must complete a brief tutorial that explains the IRB and the reasons for the protection of human subjects, including examples of prior violations of human subjects research. This tutorial, which takes approximately one hour to complete, includes a required post-tutorial assessment to assure the student demonstrates sufficient knowledge of the human research subjects process.

Click the link to access the tutorial. You will take a 20-question assessment when the tutorial is complete. A passing grade will earn a certificate of completion. Keep a copy of the certificate of completion and be prepared to provide this certificate to the IRB as a part of your application process. If you do not pass the quiz, you will be able to view the tutorial and take the quiz again.