Guide :: Education :: Exempt
Exemption and Education Research
What is an exemption? In CFR 45 part 46.101, the regulations describe categories of research that are exempt from IRB review. However, the Board must determine if the protocol qualifies for exemption, so it is necessary that a protocol be submitted. The categories relating to education are: Archival Data (i.e. student records), Surveys, Educational Tests, Interviews, and Observations, and Normal Educational Practice. The Board also requires exempt protocols not be greater than minimal risk to the participants. If a protocol is exempt, the Board generally does not require documentation of consent. However, if the study is being conducted in a classroom, the Board generally requires parental or student notification of the study. For more information and for sample forms please see Consents.
Exempt review procedures: If the protocol does qualify for exemption, it will be reviewed by a Board member, but it will not need full board review. The Board will grant an exemption for four years; if the protocol will continue beyond four years, you will need to resubmit a new protocol at the four year mark. You will be sent reminders regarding your protocol’s status. For a more complete explanation, please see Submitting a Protocol.
What if my protocol is not exempt? Even if your protocol does not qualify as Normal Educational Practice, for example, the Board can still approve your protocol. Your protocol will be granted an approval for one year, and unless a special waiver is granted, you will be required to obtain consent from the participants (or parental consent and minor assent when working with minors). Please see Non-Exempt Studies for more information.
Section Topics:
 Archival Data/ Student Records
Surveys, Interviews, Observations, and Educational Exams
Normal Educational Practice
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Guide :: Education :: Exempt |
