Research Involving Human Subjects
Investigators intending to conduct research involving human subjects should carefully review Sonoma State University’s Policy on the “Use of Human Subjects in Research.” For general questions on the review process, call, 664-2448 or email irb@sonoma.edu. Application materials can be downloaded from ORSP's forms page. It is the responsibility of the individual investigator to ensure that appropriate ethical principles are adhered to in the conduct of research involving human subjects.
Download SSU's brochure: "Working with Human Subjects in Research" (pdf)
SSU Policy highlights:
There is human subject involvement when human beings are asked to participate:- Physically in an activity or to donate their tissue, organs, fluids, and other bodily material.
- When information is sought from them directly (as through interview, questionnaire) or indirectly (as through observation).
- When information concerning specific, individually identifiable human beings is asked for from third parties—whether through access to files, data banks, or other means—or through direct inquiry of third parties concerning the individuals in question.
- Research proposals for which the question of human subject involvement is itself uncertain or ambiguous must be submitted for review.
The Provost has appointed the Institutional Review Board for the Rights of Human Subjects, which works under the sponsorship of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) to ensure the protection of the rights of human subjects and serves as the University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) for purposes of local, state, and federal requirements. The Associate Vice-President of ORSP serves as the University’s Institutional Signatory Official for purposes of federal regulation.
Federal Policy Guidance
The current IRB members are:
| Duane Dove (Chair) | Business Administration |
| Rose Bruce | Institutional Research |
| Noel Byrne | Sociology |
| Anita Catlin | Nursing |
| Betty J. Durso | Community Member |
| Eric McGuckin | Hutchins School of Liberal Studies |
| Andrew Roth | Sociology |
| Vincent Richman | Business Administration |
| Heather Smith | Psychology |
Researchers are required to submit a protocol describing their proposed research or activity involving human subjects. (download Human Subjects Application) Student non-collaborative research protocols must first be submitted to the faculty sponsor and to the department review committee, if one exists, for review and approval.
