Criteria for Acceptance of Studies

For a study involving human subjects to be approved by COUHES, it must satisfy the following criteria.

  • The study uses procedures that are consistent with sound research design.
  • Proposed research activities minimize the potential risk to the human subjects.
  • Risks to subjects are reasonable, in relation to anticipated benefits to subjects (if any), and to the importance of the knowledge that may reasonably be expected to result.
  • Selection of subjects is equitable.
  • Informed consent will be sought and appropriately documented.
  • The research plan makes adequate provision (when appropriate) for:
    • monitoring data to ensure the safety of subjects
    • protecting the privacy of subjects
    • maintaining the confidentiality of data
  • When subjects are likely to be vulnerable to coercion or undue influence (e.g., children, prisoners, mentally disabled persons) additional safeguards are included.
  • Proposed research activities take into consideration the potential risk of COVID-19 infection for subjects, research personnel and the MIT community.