Use of Human Subjects in Research  

Case Study  

Educational Assessment 

Option D.

The project is properly classified as human subjects research, but may qualify for exemption. You therefore submit a protocol requesting an Exempt Review.

This is the best of the presented alternatives.

Regulations permit certain categories of human subject research to be exempt from review requirements. Among the exempt categories is:

Research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings, involving normal educational practices, such as (i) research on regular and special education instructional strategies, or (ii) research on the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques, curricula, or classroom management methods.

Research of this type poses no more than minimal risk to participants.

It is important to understand that at Stanford, the decision as to whether a project is exempt or not is made by the ADMINISTRATIVE PANEL. If you believe your project qualifies as exempt, you must still submit a protocol application describing the project. If the Panel agrees, they will provide a notice of exemption, and the project may proceed.