The IRB review process is outlined in the Shaw University Research Investigator's Manual. All investigators who wish to submit an   application to the IRB must familiarize themselves with the manual prior to submission. The IRB's Standard Operating Procedures Manual may also provide insight into the IRB review process.

IRB Submission Process Flow Chart (55KB-PDF)

If you are collaborating with another institution call the IRB office for additional information prior to initiating the application process.

Is my work considered research?
The federal definition of research is "a systematic investigation including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge."

What is a systematic investigation?
A systematic investigation usually attempts to answer a question or attempts to prove or disprove a hypothesis.

What is "contributing to generalizable knowledge"?
The statement applies to sharing the information/data/results that you obtain in your investigation with others in the classroom setting, at a poster presentation, in a publication, or at a conference. If you are unsure about your plans to share your results at a time in the future you should submit an IRB application for review.

What is a human subject?
A human subject is a living individual about whom an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or (2) identifiable private information.

If you have any questions relating to the definitions above, please call the Office of Human Subjects Protection (OHSP) for clarification at 919-719-1894.