Human Subjects Protections:
Guidance when URI Students are Research Subjects
Students at the University of Rhode Island who are over the age of adulthood in the state of Rhode Island (e.g., 18 years of age) may volunteer to participate in
research activities. Children under the age of 18 must have parental permission as well. Faculty who require student participation in research for course credit (or extra credit) must adhere to the following guidelines:
- The research activity must have prior IRB approval.
- Research may not involve more than minimal risk.
- Participation must be voluntary. Therefore, participation in a specific project may not be a course requirement. It could be offered as extra credit if other options for the extra credit were provided.
- All elements of the informed consent process must be followed.
- If participation is to take place in the classroom, an alternative activity must be provided for those individuals who do not choose to participate.
- In no way may a student’s grade be affected by his/her desire not to participate.
- Students may withdraw from a study at any time without reprisal.
Research involving normal educational practices such as the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques is allowed without IRB review if conducted in commonly accepted educational settings and if the research is instructional in nature. (45CFR46.101b1)
For additional assistance, please contact the Research Integrity Office at (401) 874-4328 or researchintegrity@etal.uri.edu.