Definitions of Risk
Risks are of many kinds: physical harm, emotional distress, exposure to legal action, damage to employability, insurance qualification or standing in the community. One of the most significant sources of risk is a breach of confidentiality.Unless a subject gives explicit permission as part of the consent process, everything that a subject reveals to an investigator or the research staff must be held confidential through both the discretion of the investigators and the physical protection of the information collected. Any breach of confidentiality, especially if it is of sensitive information (such as illegal behavior, undocumented immigration status, alcohol or drug use, sexual practices or preferences, presence of serious health problems) represents a potentially serious risk to a subject. At times, just the fact that an individual is part of a study can be a source of significant risk to that person, particularly if the study concerns sensitive topics such as health status or sexual behavior.
FAQs
- I am the faculty sponsor of a student doing research involving human subjects. Why do I need to take the tutorial?
- How do I decide whether my study involves human subjects?
- Research using Students/Employees
- I am doing research in my classroom. Can I use Category 1 exempt status?
- Sample consent forms
When to submit
What to submit
New Starting October 13, 2009 Drop-In Consultation Available:
Click here for more information.
Fall 2009 Human Subjects Seminar Series presented by Dr. McCutcheon
The Office of the University Committee on Activities Involving Human Subjects continues its seminar series on the responsibilities of researchers, faculty sponsors and NYU for the protection of human subjects in research. The seminars are open to anyone with an interest in research involving human subjects, and should be of special interest to persons currently conducting research with humans or that are planning to conduct research with humans. Issues discussed at these seminars are relevant to all NYU Faculty, students and administrators that are involved in the research process. Seminars are held at 4pm on the third Thursday of each month at 665 Broadway, Suite 801Conference Room (Office of Sponsored Programs).
IRB Made Easy - September 17th
Classroom based research, using students as subjects - October 22nd
Defining minimal risk in Social, Educational and Behavioral Research - November 19th
Please RSVP the Office of the University Committee on Activities Involving Human Subjects at ask.humansubjects@nyu.edu if you plan to attend a specific seminar or all.