Q. How do I decide whether my study involves human subjects?
A. To determine if you are doing research involving human subjects, and therefore require UCAIHS review, both of the following conditions must apply:
1) You are doing research defined as “systematic investigation, including research development testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge”.
For example, if you plan to disseminate the results for more than internal use (e.g. internal performance evaluation, classroom presentation) then it is research and
2) You are studying “a living individual about whom you obtain (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual or (2) identifiable private information.”
For example, if you are using live humans or data from live humans or parts from live humans, then you are using human subjects.
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.