The three levels of review are based upon the nature of the research
and the degree of risk
to the human participant. The first level of review (basic level) covers
research of minimal or no risk to the participant.
Most research involving the use of educational testing, surveys
and observation is reviewed at the basic level. The second level of review
(expedited level) covers
research which involves procedures of minimal risk to the participant, such
as collection of small amounts of blood or
dental plaque, voice recordings, performance of moderate
exercise by healthy participants, and assessment of perception or cognition
when the participant's behavior is not manipulated
by the experimenter and the research does not
involve stress to the subject. The third level of review (full review)
is required for research which does not fall
into the other two categories.
The procedures for review will vary according to the level of review required.
The forms to be completed are available from Nancy Gruber, secretary to the
Vice-president and Dean of Faculty. (Phone:
284-4575)
[Level 2]
[Level 3]
Investigators submitting proposals at the basic level should request and complete an application for basic status (green form). This completed form will be reviewed by one member of the IRB. The IRB Chairperson will inform the investigator, the chair of the investigator's department, and the Dean of Faculty of the decision. The application and the decision regarding that application will be filed.
Investigators submitting proposals for expedited review should request and complete the form for expedited and full review (yellow form). This application will be reviewed by two members of the IRB who will communicate their decision to the IRB Chairperson. The Chairperson will inform the investigator, the chair of the investigator's department, and the Dean of Faculty of the decision. In the event that either of those members feel the proposal should receive full review, the investigator will be informed, and the proposal will be put on the agenda for the next full committee review. The application and decision regarding that application will be filed.
Investigators whose proposals will require full committee review should request and complete the form for expedited and full review (yellow form). This application will be reviewed by the full IRB, whose meetings will be regularly scheduled for the fourth and eleventh week of the semester. Decisions regarding applications will be communicated to the investigator, the chair of the investigator's department, and the Dean of Faculty. If a proposed study does not fit this timetable, the investigator should contact the Chairperson of the IRB. The IRB will make a reasonable effort to prevent the delay of research projects.
Last updated: August, 2006
If you have any comments or suggestions about this web site, please send them to wsvelmoe@sainmarys.edu.
This site was authored by Dr. Catherine Pittman and Zhou Zhu as the product of a faculty / student special project.