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Human Subjects in Research -- EIU IRB Guidelines

There are three options for protecting human subjects who are involved in research projects:

1. Research that is intended for eventual publication.

Use this option for most thesis and independent study projects. The student and faculty mentor jointly submit a research protocol via the Application for IRB Review. The IRB review process is based on the level of risk to human subjects. Review timeframes can vary based on level of review.

 2. Research that will not be published outside a class—no vulnerable subjects involved.​

Use this option when the risks to the subject are minimal, the projects are not intended to contribute to generalizable knowledge, and results will not be published. The instructor should submit one form, Form H: Course Certification Request, on behalf of all students in the class.  

 3. Research that will not be published outside a class—with vulnerable subjects involved.​

Use this option when a student's project fits into a class that is covered by Course Certification and also involves a vulnerable population. The student and faculty mentor should jointly submit an Application for Course Project Research Review.

Here are some points that will aid in selecting one of the three options:

• Vulnerable populations include

• children,

• prisoners,

• pregnant persons,

• mentally disabled persons,

• economically or educationally disadvantaged persons,

• individuals who are unable to give informed consent due to a physical or mental condition, or individuals whose circumstances may make them vulnerable to coercion (e.g., probationers).

• All students in a class may qualify for Course Project Review. 
• A given section of a class may have some individual student projects that meet the criteria for Course Certification and other individual student projects that meet the criteria for Course Project Review.
• In some classes, student projects may qualify for the highest level:  Application for IRB Review. The IRB will not guarantee timely review of more than 3 - 4 such applications per class.