Faculty oversight of student research

1. Do I need to require my students to get IRB approval for class research projects? What is the responsibility of the WOU instructor with regard to student research?
   The IRB is responsible for ensuring that research projects are conducted in accordance with accepted ethical and governmental standards related to the protection of human subjects. Although the IRB requires that a faculty member supervise all student research projects, direct IRB review of student projects is only necessary under certain circumstances.
2. What types of student research activities DO require direct review by the IRB?
   IRB approval is typically required for a student research project when human subjects are involved and the primary objective is the development of new knowledge. Students who engage in such research must submit an IRB proposal [http://www.wou.edu/irb] consistent with the aforementioned process. All such projects must involve a sponsoring/supervising faculty member who must approve and sign the IRB application before forwarding it to the IRB chairperson.
3. What types of student research activities DO NOT require direct review by the IRB?
   IRB approval is typically not required for a student research project involving human subjects when the primary objective is for the student researcher to learn research methods and procedures. Specifically, it is not necessary for the IRB to review these projects when the all of following conditions are met:
   • Research involves minimal or no risk to participants; and
   • Participants do not include members of vulnerable populations such as children and/or impaired adults; and
   • Research findings are only to be distributed within the classroom and/or institutional setting (not outside of WOU). Academic Excellence Showcase presentations are considered part of the institutional setting.
   Although research projects meeting the aforementioned conditions do not require IRB approval, instructors are expected to actively supervise student research projects and to educate their students about the ethical guidelines related to the protection of human subjects.
4. Are IRB applications required for students participating in the Academic Excellence Showcase?
   
   • Yes, if human subjects are involved and the primary objective is the development of new knowledge (i.e., thesis)
   • No, if the primary objective is for the student researcher to learn research methods and procedures.
   Additionally, such student research must meet all of the following conditions:
   • Minimal or no risk to participants
   • Participants are not members of vulnerable populations (i.e., children and/or impaired adults)
   • Research findings are only to be distributed within the classroom and/or institutional setting (not outside of WOU)
5. What if I'm not sure whether or not the student research will be distributed beyond WOU?
   If you believe there is the potential for students to present research at a local, state or national conference, as a result of research activities conducted within your course, it is the responsibility of the WOU faculty member to complete an IRB application for that course. Please contact a WOU IRB committee member to assist you with this process.
6. Can the IRB give approval once data collection has begun?
   The IRB is unable to provide approval of a research project after the data collection period has begun. As a result, it is essential that student researchers seek IRB approval in advance if they anticipate a need or desire, however remote, to disseminate their findings outside of the institutional setting (e.g., at a conference, via publication, on the World Wide Web).