Frequently Asked Questions

Below are listed some frequently asked questions concerning human participants research, along with brief answers. All of these topics are addressed more thoroughly in the Policy manual.

WHAT is human participants research?

“Human participants research” is defined as a systematic investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge, which involves the collection of data from or about living human beings.

WHY must it be reviewed?

It is University policy to reasonably ensure that the rights and welfare of human participants are adequately protected in research conducted under its auspices. In addition, both federal and state laws require this protection. In order for the University to fulfill its responsibility, all human participants research conducted under University auspices must receive appropriate review and approval.

WHO reviews it?

The University has authorized the Human Research Committee (HRC) to review and approve human participants research. The HRC is a campus-wide committee made up of faculty, administrators, and at least one non-institutional member. Certain categories of research may be eligible for less intensive review procedures than review by the entire HRC (see Section 4 of the policy manual).

WHO must submit it?

Human participants research must be reviewed if it is conducted by any faculty, staff, student, or any person under the auspices of the University.

HOW is it submitted?

Human participants research projects are submitted via a completed Human Participants Review Form. The form is available on the AUNE HRC website.

WHEN does it have to be submitted?

When submitting projects, sufficient time should be allowed for adequate review. The HRC meets monthly during the academic year, and as needed at other times. For projects requiring full review, proposals must be submitted one week prior to meetings in order to be included on the agenda for that meeting. Projects eligible for less intensive review procedures may be submitted at any time and will generally be reviewed within seven to ten days. Please see the HRC website for the schedule of meetings.

HOW will it be reviewed?

The review of human participants research is confined solely to procedures affecting the rights and welfare of human participants. No evaluation is made of the content or scientific merit of the project, unless participants are found to be "at risk," at which time the risk/benefit ratio of the project will be evaluated. The review focuses on such issues as risk to participants, voluntary participation, informed consent, and confidentiality.

WHERE can I get assistance?

The HRC representative for each Department functions as liaison between the University community and the HRC. Your Department Administration can tell you who your HRC representative is.

The review of human participants research at The University is a collaborative process intended to result in mutually acceptable research procedures which accomplish the investigator's scientific objectives while protecting the rights and welfare of the participants. The HRC tries to be as flexible as possible and reviews each project as a separate case rather than imposing rigid requirements. Every attempt is made to take into account all factors in determining the outcome of the review. The HRC sees its role as primarily educational and encourages consultation at all stages of the research process.

Last Updated: 3/3/10