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Human Participants Review Board

Policy and Procedure Manual

HPRB Policy and Procedure Manual


Policy and Procedure Manual [PDF]

The Policy and Procedure Manual has been updated, effective June 16, 2009.

Page 3, Paragraph 5, Definition of Research

New language:

If the sole purpose of the activity is to teach research techniques or methodology and not to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge, it is not considered research. However, class projects that include vulnerable subjects or higher than minimal risk should be submitted for HPRB review, even if the activity is not intended to be generalizable.

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.

More information about this change will be available on the website by Fall 2009.