What are the Types of IRB Reviews?

 

The IRB uses THREE types of review mechanisms

Exempt

Expedited

Full Member Review

 

A short descriptio of each of the mechanism is described below.  You can view the specific requirements for each of the review type by clicking the appropriate links.  Please bear in mind that the examples given on this page are listed only as a starting point to help you decide what kind of review you may request. You should thoroughly read and understand the requirements which are detailed in the PDFs linked to each review type before making a final decision. 

Exempt Review

Research qualifying for Exempt Review must present no more than minimal risk to participants. Most research qualifying as Exempt at MTSU will fall into one of the following categories below. Surveys or interviews on sensitive topics will not qualify for Exempt review. Additionally, research involving videotaping subjects will not qualify for exempt review (in some cases audiotaping may qualify). Download the PDF  for a complete description on how to qualify for the Exempt Review mechanism and for other rarely used categories. You will need to indicate what category you believe your research meets on your Exempt Review Application.Exempt reviews are conducted by staff in the Research Compliance Office.

  • Evaluation or Comparison of Commonly Accepted Instructional Strategies/Curricula
  • Educational Tests, Surveys, Interviews, or Observations
  • Collection or Study of Existing Data

Use this checklist to determine if your study qualifies for exemption:

 

Screening Questions to Determine Exemption Status Response
1. Are the subjects from a vulnerable group (prisoners, seriously ill or cognitively imparied)? Yes No
2. Do you plan to collect behavior information that could reasonably place the subjects at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the individual's financial standing, employability or reputation? Yes No
 3. Will you collect sensitive information or personal aspects of the subject's behavior (drug/alcohol use, illegal conduct, sexual behavior, mental health, etc)? Yes  No
 4. Except for researching normal education practices, will this study involve minors (under 18)?  Yes No
 5. Will this research expose the subjects to dicomfort or stress beyond the levels encountered in daily life? Yes No
6. Do you plan to videotape the participants (in some cases audiotaping may qualify for exemption)? Yes