Use of Human Subjects in Research  

Case Study  

Observational Study 

Choice A.

Tell the student that she may not conduct this study, as it would violate regulations governing the protection of human research subjects.

Not the best advice!

Human subjects regulations would not preclude such a study. However, since this is dissertation research involving the observation of human subjects, the project must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate Nonmedical Human Subjects Panel.

If the subjects are not identifiable, i.e., the student does not know or obtain any names or other identifying data, and if the study is not likely to harm the subjects' reputation, employability, financial standing, or put any subject at risk of civil or criminal liability, the project may qualify as exempt.

Neither you nor the student can make this determination however. So, the appropriate course of action in this case is to submit a protocol to the Nonmedical Human Subjects Panel.