All projects involving human subjects require an IRB application and approval before the research can take place. If you think your project may involve human subjects, it is necessary and very important that you contact the Office of Research Support to fulfill this obligation.
You will need to be very familiar with the guidelines and procedures set forth by The University of Texas’ Office of Research Support and Institutional Review Board (IRB).
What Is Human Subjects Research?
The Office of Research Support defines human subjects research as bq. “any systematic investigation that is designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge, and which involves living humans about whom an investigator obtains information through intervention or interaction or obtains identifiable private information, qualifies as human subjects research.”
Refer to the What is Human Subjects Research? section of the Office of Research Support web site for complete information on this topic.
Why Do I Need Approval?
As a student doing research involving human subjects, you have the responsibility to ensure that you are conducting that research in an appropriate and ethical manner.
Get Started
The Student Researchers section of the Office of Research Support web site gives detailed, step-by-step instructions on applying for IRB review, the timeline for the review process, faculty mentor considerations, and additional information on working with human subjects.
Contact the Office of Research Support
http://www.utexas.edu/research/rsc/index.html
512-471-8871
orsc@uts.cc.utexas.edu