This means that students who are
conducting research for a class assignment do NOT need to submit a proposal to
HPRB as long as all of the following conditions are met:
¨
The
project does not meet the official definition of research: a systematic
investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.
o
Many
class assignments are intended to teach research methodologies or techniques,
not to contribute to generalizable knowledge.
If this is the case, they do not need to undergo HPRB review.
o
Assignments
that are designed to be generalizable, such as capstones or independent
studies, should be submitted to HPRB for review.
¨
The
project does not involve vulnerable populations.
o
If the
project will include vulnerable populations, as defined by federal guidelines
to include “children, prisoners, pregnant women, mentally disabled persons or
economically or educationally disadvantaged persons,” then it must be submitted
to HPRB for review.
¨
The
project does not involve more than minimal risk.
o
Minimal
risk is defined by federal guidelines as “the probability and magnitude of harm
or discomfort anticipated in the research are not greater in and of themselves
than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of
routine physical or psychological examinations or tests.”
o
Projects
that involve more than minimal risk, such as those that ask participants to
reveal seriously incriminating information, should be submitted to HPRB for
review.
¨
The
results of the project will not be disseminated beyond PLU.
o
If
results of the project will be presented outside of PLU, such as at a regional
or national conference, or submitted for publication, the project must be
submitted to HPRB for review.
o
Post-facto approval is not possible. Thus, if a student feels like they may want
to present or publish her/his findings outside of PLU, they should submit a
proposal prior to any work with human subjects.
o
Presentation
at PLU, such as in a course, departmental, or School presentation, is allowed
even without HPRB approval.