MSUM Institutional Review Board Policy
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a university committee designated by Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) to protect the welfare of human subjects recruited to participate in research.
When University employees and/or students are involved in research conducted with human subjects, the research activity must be reviewed by the IRB.
The full policy is posted on the University Policies & Procedures website.
When do you need IRB approval for your research?
1. Is it RESEARCH?
The Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects defines research as “a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge…”
IRB review is not required if your project does not match the definition of research. You do not need to submit an application.
If your project matches the definition of research, go to #2 below.
2. Are HUMAN SUBJECTS involved?
The Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects defines human subjects as “…a living individual about whom an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or (2) identifiable private information.” If either of these are true, your research involves human subjects.
If your activity is research but does not involve human subjects as defined in the regulations your activity does not fall under the purview of the IRB. You do not need to submit an application.
If you have determined that your research does meet the federal definition for human subjects research, you will need to apply for IRB review and approval before you begin.
When in doubt, ask …
Dr. Lisa Karch, Chair of the MSUM IRB
E-Mail: irb@mnstate.edu
Phone: 218-477-2699