Certain Types of research are exempt from IRB review. For a complete list, see the Code of Federal Regulations Title 45, part 46.101 (b). The following represent some of the more common types of EXEMPT research:
1. Surveys, educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude), or interviews involving participants 18 years or older.
2. Research on regular or special education instructional strategies that are conducted in a commonly accepted educational setting.
3. Observation of public behavior as long as no identifiers (names) are associated with the observations.
If you think your research is exempt from IRB review, you must submit an “Exempt status” application. If your research is not exempt, you must submit an “IRB Review” application.