IRB: Research Method Class Protocol
Policy number:
423
References:
Research Method Class Protocol application
Human Subject Protection Guide; section 3.6 and 2.5
Date: 04/18/2014
Policy Owner:
Executive Director, HRPP
Cross references:
None
Definitions:
None
1.0 Reason for Policy
This policy describes how the Institutional Review Board (IRB) will document and review research
method course assignments.
2.0 Scope of Policy
This policy applies to the University of Minnesota community and its healthcare components.
3.0 Policy Statement
When the overall objective of a research method course assignment is to learn about the design and
conduct of research projects, and if the data collected meets the definition of research with human
subjects and will be collected and analyzed for classroom learning only, the faculty member or instructor
is responsible for both the submission of a Research Methods Class Protocol (RMCP) application for
prospective review by the IRB and the conduct of the course. For example, the faculty member or
instructor is responsible for assuring that students have completed the basic level of training for human
subject protection. Examples of appropriate research methods include simple anonymous survey,
interview with innocuous questions or observation of public behavior. If the data collected does not
meet the definition of human subjects’ research, an RMCP is not required.
Page 1 of 2
The RMCP method and scope must qualify as no greater than minimal risk research and include no
vulnerable populations, no sensitive or incriminating topics, and all subjects must be 18 years of age or
older.
The IRB will review the RMCP through expedited review. The RMCP approval will be reevaluated
annually to ensure that the guidelines are maintained. The RMCP approval may be applied to other
courses when multiple sessions of the same course are taught during an academic year.
4.0 Required approvals for this document
Title
Executive Director, HRPP
5.0 Revision History
Revision
04/18/14
09/30/11
01/29/10
Reason for change
Update
Revision, definition clarification
New Policy Development
Date of release
09/02/14
09/30/11
02/02/10
To obtain a copy of a historical policy, e-mail IRB at irb@umn.edu or call 612-626-5654
Page 2 of 2