SIR Investigations Involving Humans or Animals
Introduction
Any investigation involving humans or animals is subject to institutional review. The specific instances outlined below provide guidelines for determining the processes and procedures for submitting a proposal that will require approval from the Human and Animal Subjects Review Committee (HASRC).
Check the HASRC web site for further information to assist you during planning for such investigations. Plan ahead, as the application must be completed before the HASRC review and the committee may require at least one to two weeks to review and comment on the proposal.
Types of proposals needing approval
Investigation proposals involving certain subjects and situations require HASRC approval. For the following types of proposals, the respective links list steps required in securing approvals:
- IMSA students/subjects - no stress/distress involved
- Non-IMSA students/subjects - no stress/distress involved
- IMSA or non-IMSA students/subjects - minimal potential for stress/distress
- Historical interviews of adults (over 18 years of age)
- Biographical interviews of adults (over 18 years of age)
Applying for Approval
Please note that if your investigation proposal involves human and/or animal subjects, it CANNOT proceed without the approval of the Office of Research, Evaluation, and Development and the HASRC. The HASRC application asks for detailed information about the proposal to assist the Office of Research, Evaluation, and Development and the HASRC in making an informed decision regarding proposal approval. Be sure to submit any surveys, forms, or other associated materials when applying for approvals, to minimize delays.
Receiving Approval
The approval process may require at least one to two weeks for the Office of Research, Evaluation, and Development and the HASRC to review and comment on the investigation proposal. The Coordinator of Student Inquiry and Research may exercise some independent judgments in approving investigations involving humans or animals. However, in general, vertebrate animal studies in which the subject is endangered will not be permitted without HASRC approval: it is unlikely that these types of studies will be approved.
Some behavioral studies or surveys may be permitted provided that they are planned well and the ethical implications of such studies are addressed. No surveys of individuals will be permitted if they have the potential for causing emotional distress or interfering with other ongoing IMSA activities.