A graduate student needs to conduct a research project

Subject : Social Studies

Question: A graduate student needs to conduct a research project for her master’s thesis. She is interested in the types of junk food available to the public. She plans to go to the local convenience stores and ask the owners what types of junk food the store normally stocks, and which are the biggest sellers. She will not collect identifiers. This study would be subject to which type of review?

a. Determination for Exemption

b. Not Human Subjects

c. Convened Review

d. Expedited Review

Expert Verified Solution:

The study described would be subject to:

a. Determination for Exemption

Explanation:

The student’s research involves collecting information about the types of junk food sold in convenience stores and the sales data regarding these items. Since she is not collecting any personal identifiers or sensitive information from individuals, this study is likely to qualify for an exemption from full IRB (Institutional Review Board) review.

In most cases, research that involves collecting data on business practices, products, or general public information, without involving direct human subjects in a way that affects their rights or welfare, can be exempt from more extensive review processes. However, the exact determination would depend on the institution’s IRB policies, which would decide whether the study fits the criteria for exemption.