Review Process Decision Tree


The Human Research Review Process Decision Tree

  1. Does the activity involve human research?
    Information from archives, about deceased individuals STOP
    Information from living humans GO TO 2

  2. Is it research? (see pg. 6 of IRB handbook)
    Restricted only to a classroom demonstration STOP
    Educational practices, only for improvement without ID STOP
    Aimed to gather generalizable knowledge GO TO 3
    Sensitive or private information GO TO 3

  3. All researchers must complete the Research Ethics Training GO TO 4
    If borrowing copyright protected material, secure permission to use.

  4. Does the research require exempt, expedited or full review? SUBMIT TO LRB

    A. Exempt: Risks are everyday risks (see pg. 11 of IRB handbook) USE Forms A & B
    Submit: Forms, Data instrument(s); permission to use instrument(s) (if applicable);
    Research protocol; Informed consent; Ethics certificate(s)

    B. Expedited: Minimal risk research (see pg. 12 of IRB handbook) USE Forms A & C
    Submit: Forms, Data instrument(s); permission to use instrument(s) (if applicable);
    Research protocol; Informed consent; Ethics certificate(s)

    C. Full Review: Research with more than minimal risk, deception or vulnerable populations. (see pg. 15 of IRB handbook) USE Forms A & C
    Submit: Forms, Data instrument(s); permission to use instrument(s) (if applicable);
    Research protocol; Informed consent; Assent (if applicable); Ethics certificate(s)

    D. Research involving deception USE Forms A, C, & D
    Submit: Forms, Data instrument(s); permission to use instrument(s) (if applicable);
    Research protocol; Informed consent; Assent (if applicable); Ethics certificate(s);
    Debriefing procedure

  5. Follow the IRB recommendations on your project to use, modify, or resubmit.

  6. If there is a change in the protocols, principal investigator or consent/assent procedures (see pg. 18 of IRB handbook) Contact the IRB/LRB for approval

  7. If research lasts more than 1 year, submit request for renewal to LRB.

  8. Research complete? (see pg. 21 of IRB handbook) Notify IRB in writing
    Maintain file of forms & data for 3 years.