examples of Human Subjects Research
Regulatory requirements to protect human subjects apply to a much broader range of research than many investigators realize. In addition to covering traditional biomedical studies, they also apply to research that uses…
- Human beings to test devices, products, or materials that have been developed through
- Data collected through intervention or interaction with individuals. Intervention
includes not only physical procedures but also manipulation of a subject's environment
and some observations.
- Private information that can be readily identified with individuals, even if the information
was not collected specifically for the study in question. Examples include student
records and medical records.
- Bodily materials such as cells, blood or urine, tissues, organs, hair, and nail clippings,
even if the researcher did not collect these materials (such research may be considered
exempt if materials are not personally identifiable and if the materials were collected
prior to the initiation of the research project).
- Studies conducted to gain generalizable knowledge about categories or classes of subjects,
such as Meharry employees, students, and/or patients. This includes a doctoral dissertation
and a master's thesis.
- Human beings to evaluate environmental alterations.
If you have questions about whether your planned studies constitute human subjects
research, please contact the Human Protections Administrator, Shannon Roberson in
the Office for Research IRB Office, WBS, Room 2215 on ext 6735.