DOES YOUR PROJECT NEED IRB REVIEW?

It may be sometimes difficult to tell if a project needs to be reviewed by the IRB. Your research project should be submitted to the IRB if it involves the collection of data from human subjects and fits the definition listed as follows. "Research" is defined as a systematic investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge through public dissemination such as published articles, presentations, and poster displays.

NOTE: If there is a possibility that the results will be published, cited in another paper, presented on a poster display, used in a thesis or essay, for example, the project should be reviewed by the IRB; retrospective review is NOT possible.

The following research proposals that fit the criteria listed above should be filed with the IRB:

	All research involving human subjects conducted on campus by anyone, i.e., University-affiliated researchers (including faculty, staff, students, and administrators) and outside personnel.
	All research involving human subjects conducted by anyone affiliated with the University whether the research is conducted on campus or off campus.

Click on the links below for a more detailed explanation.

	PROJECT REVIEW IS REQUIRED FOR:
	I. SURVEY, INTERVIEW, FOCUS GROUP, & OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH II. EVALUATION RESEARCH III. ORAL HISTORY IV. RESEARCH ON EXISTING DATA V. THESIS & ESSAY RESEARCH VI. STUDENT PROJECTS VII. CLASSROOM PROJECTS

	PROJECT REVIEW MAY NOT BE REQUIRED FOR:
	I. JOURNALISM PROJECTS II. CLASSROOM PROJECTS III. NON-HUMAN CASE STUDIES IV. DEPARTMENTAL (INTERNAL) RESEARCH

FURTHER INFORMATION
Please contact the IRB Chair; any IRB member; or the IRB Administrator for further information or clarification.

The University of Chicago's Social & Behavioral Sciences IRB Guidelines were helpful in preparing this page.

IRB Menu

Start Here

Application Help

Types of Review

Resources

Forms/Policies

IRB Site Map