Human Subjects Protection

Presentedat the

STEM Educator Professional Development Conference

Heather W. Allen, Ph.D.Chair, Regional SRC/IRB STEM Education Outreach Programs

University of New Mexico

AbstractPresentation and workshop included: • Materials and training on the protection of

student researchers and human research participants in pre-college student research.

• Immediately useful information on the ethical and safety issues involved.

Topics included:• Confidentiality;• Proper use and protection of private or

identifying information;• Safety and risk assessment;• Appropriate inclusions in the research plan;• Procedures; and• More. Offered for middle and high school teachers, as well as high school student researchers (grades 9-12).

ApplicationPrincipal investigators are the most important component of human research protections. • Best understanding of the research and

underlying science.• Primary contact for the research participants.• Managers of the data. • Best opportunity to put the interests of the

participants first. This presentation and workshop was designed to ensure that upon completion, participants would:• Have an increased understanding of why

protection of subjects is so important;• Have an appreciation for why students need to

obtain review and approval for their studies; and• Have an understanding of the basic tenets of

human subjects protection.

ReferencesKraut, R., Olson, J., Banaji, M., Bruckman, A., & Al, e. (2004). Psychological research online: Report of board of scientific affairs' advisory group on the conduct of research on the internet. The American Psychologist, 59(2), 105-117. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview /2121 22125?accountid=458 .

Levine, F. J., & Skedsvold, P. R. (2008). Where the rubber meets the road: Aligning IRBs and research practice. PS, Political Science & Politics, 41(3), 501-505. Retrieved from http:// search.proquest.com/docview/224987035?accountid=458.

Plattner, S. (Spring 2003). Human subjects protection and cultural anthropology. Anthropological Quarterly, 76.2, 287- 297.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (1979, April 18). The Belmont Report, Human Subjects Research, 45 CFR 46. Retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/ guidance/belmont.html .