Studies that use people to test devices, products, or materials that have been developed through research; to evaluate environmental alterations.
Studies that collect data through intervention or interaction with individuals. Intervention includes not only physical procedures (e.g., drawing blood) but also manipulation of a subject's environment (e.g., surveys, questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups). Data collection using non-individually identifiable information may be exempt. (Only the IRB has the authority to determine exemptions.) Studies using private information that can be readily identified with individuals, even if the information was not collected specifically for your study.
Studies that use bodily materials such as cells, blood, urine, tissues, organs, hair, or nail clippings, even if you did not collect these materials. However, such research may be considered exempt if materials are not personally identifiable. (Only the IRB has the authority to determine exemptions.)
Studies that produce generalizable knowledge about categories or class of subjects from individually identifiable information.
Intervention includes both physical procedures by which data are gathered (for example, venipuncture or blood draws) and manipulations of the subject or the subject's environment that are performed for research purposes.
Interaction includes communication or interpersonal contact between investigator and subject. If your research belongs to any of the listed categories, you must comply with Federal Regulations and Mercer's policies for the protection of human subjects. These requirements apply if the research is conducted using Mercer facilities or property, supported with Mercer funds, or performed by Mercer faculty, staff, or students.
For More Information Regarding Your IRB Submission Contact:
The Office of Research Compliance
478-301-4101
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