Old Research Subject to Review

SKC IRB: What research is subject to IRB review?

Generally, any research or grant activity that uses humans, human tissue, surveys of human subjects, or data or other records on human subjects requires IRB review, irrespective of its funding source. Additionally, research or grant activity that may use culturally sensitive information or infringe on the intellectual property rights of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes is subject to SKC IRB review. Research in the social and behavioral sciences as well as research in the health and biological sciences is potentially subject to review.

Specifically, SKC IRB review and approval is required for any research involving human subjects or CS&KT cultural information that meets any of the following criteria:

  1. research that is conducted by college faculty, adjunct faculty, staff, or students;
  2. research that is performed on the premises of Salish Kootenai College;
  3. research that is performed with or involves the use of facilities, equipment, or data belonging to Salish Kootenai College;
  4. research that involves Salish Kootenai College students, staff, or faculty as research subjects;
  5. research that satisfies a requirement imposed by Salish Kootenai College for a degree program or for completion of a course of study or a class;
  6. research that is conducted by or under the direction of any employee or agent of Salish Kootenai College, in connection with his or her institutional responsibilities;
  7. research using data on human subjects gathered in earlier projects.

The SKC IRB follows the definition of research in Federal Regulation 45 CFR 46.102: “Research” means a systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. Activities which meet this definition constitute research for purposes of this policy, whether or not they are conducted or supported under a program which is considered research for other purposes. For example, some demonstration and service programs may include research activities.

NOTE: Activities that may not seem like research must get IRB approval if they involve gathering information from people:some examples. A key factor determining the necessity of IRB review is whether the information will be published or presented outside the SKC setting.