The Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (CPHS) defines a human subject as a living person about whom a researcher obtains, (a) data through "intervention" (for example, venipuncture or cognitive tests) or "interaction" (for example, interviews) with the person, or (b) identifiable private information (for example, observations or private records). A person may be a "human subject" when a researcher obtains data about the person from a third party as well as from the person directly.

This brochure provides a useful overview: http://cphs.berkeley.edu/content/overview.pdf

If your project involves interaction with human subjects, you will need to show CPHS what steps you will take to protect the privacy and ensure the dignity and safety of your research subjects. Undergraduates must get approval for human subjects research when they are receiving funding, or plan to publish or present their research.

Although you do not need to have CPHS approval before you apply to SURF, you must have it BEFORE you start any data collection involving human subjects. This means prompt attention in filing your research protocols as soon as you are notified of your SURF award.

All awardees who are working with human subjects must file the proper forms and protocols with CPHS no later than April 15th, or your SURF award may be canceled. If you plan to start collecting data before June 10th, you will need to file even earlier; CPHS recommends allowing 8 weeks for approval.

You will also need to file earlier if your research puts your human subjects at risk, or involves vulnerable subjects, such as children or institutionalized persons. If your research doesn't involve risk or vulnerable subjects you will probably satisfy CPHS requirements by filing "exemption" protocols. But check with CPHS to be sure.

Everyone working with human subjects will need to complete an on-line "training module" before you submit your forms. The CITI module takes about 2 hours to complete: https://www.citiprogram.org/default.asp

Go to the CPHS website for their office hours and more details.

3/02/2008 research@learning.berkeley.edu Office of Undergraduate Research University of California, Berkeley