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Classroom Research

Research is designed to create generalizable knowledge and must be approved by the HSRB prior to engaging in any research activities; this differs from research-related activities wherein the purpose is educational in nature (i.e., to teach students the research process), which should follow the best-practices policy below. This policy specifies if/when Human Subject Review Board (HSRB) approval is required and outlines the necessary protocols for conducting research that involves data collection from students or faculty outside of the immediate classroom environment.

Research conducted within the classroom setting solely for educational purposes and not intended for knowledge-generation or dissemination outside of the classroom does not require prior HSRB notification and/or approval. This includes activities such as classroom exercises, laboratory activities, surveys, quizzes, unobtrusive naturalistic observation of others in public settings, and other forms of research conducted solely for the purpose of educational instruction and learning within the confines of the classroom.

If students or faculty intend to collect data from individuals outside of the specific classroom environment (those not enrolled in the course or faculty who are not directly involved in the instructional activities), the following procedures should be followed:

• The instructor must ensure that any research activities conducted within the classroom comply with ethical standards and respect the rights and confidentiality of participants. Instructors should complete the appropriate Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training to ensure compliance with ethical practices.
• Any data collected should be used solely for educational purposes and not disseminated outside of the classroom.
• Prior to initiating data collection, students conducting research must complete the Responsible Conduct of Research Training module of the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training to ensure an understanding of research ethics and human subjects protections. Additional modules may be assigned and required by the instructors as necessary.
• Students must ensure that data collection methods guarantee anonymity and confidentiality of participants. This includes ensuring verbal or written consent prior to participation, the use of anonymous surveys, codes instead of personal identifiers, secure storage of data, and a written or verbal debriefing after participation.
• Faculty and students are responsible for complying with all relevant College policies, federal regulations, and ethical guidelines governing research involving human subjects.

HSRB approval is required for any research within a classroom setting that is intended for the creation of generalizable knowledge and/or dissemination outside of the classroom setting.