A survey-based study asks about highest education level, political affiliation, and views on social issues, with no identifiable information collected. This study would be subject to which type of IRB review?

A survey-based study asks about highest education level, political affiliation, and views on social issues, with no identifiable information collected. This study would be subject to which type of IRB review?

• A. Full Board Review
• B. Expedited Review
• C. Not Human Subjects
• D. Determination for Exemption

Answer: (D)

IRB exemptions apply to research that collects data through surveys or interviews when you cannot identify the subjects from the data. In this scenario, responses about education level, political affiliation, and views on social issues are gathered without collecting any identifiers, so the information cannot be linked back to individuals. That lack of identifiers means the privacy risk is minimal, which fits the exemption criteria for survey procedures. Therefore, this study would typically receive an exemption determination rather than requiring full Board review or an expedited review. If identifiers were collected or could link responses to individuals, the study might then fall outside exemption and require more oversight.

IRB exemptions apply to research that collects data through surveys or interviews when you cannot identify the subjects from the data. In this scenario, responses about education level, political affiliation, and views on social issues are gathered without collecting any identifiers, so the information cannot be linked back to individuals. That lack of identifiers means the privacy risk is minimal, which fits the exemption criteria for survey procedures. Therefore, this study would typically receive an exemption determination rather than requiring full Board review or an expedited review. If identifiers were collected or could link responses to individuals, the study might then fall outside exemption and require more oversight.