Protection of Participants in Behavioral and Social Sciences Research

Researchers conducting behavioral and social sciences research often have questions about the applicability of their research to the Federal regulations protecting human subjects (research participants). Basic questions arise including even "Am I conducting research that involves human subjects?"

This document addresses many issues including:

• The definition of human subjects.
• What you need to do to comply with Federal requirements if your research involves human subjects.
• The role of your Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the types of review it conducts.
  • How to decide if your research falls into an exemption category and does not require IRB approval.
  • Informed consent requirements.
  • Privacy and confidentiality including applying for a certificate of confidentiality.
  • Key points when applying for federal funding.
  • Additional resources.