The IRB/HSR Research Protocol

IRB/HSR Research Protocol Instructions (rev September/2002)

The investigator(s) shall provide the following information to the CSUB IRB/HSR, using the headings shown. An overall research proposal may be attached, but the researcher must explicitly address each of the points listed in the Research Protocol outline. The IRB/HSR conducts a cost/benefit analysis. The potential costs to subjects are weighed against the potential benefits of the research.

Example IRB/HSR Protocols

Research Protocol Content

  1. Title (of the proposed research activity)
  2. Professional Qualifications (to do the proposed research), including a description of any necessary support services, facilities, and equipment. A vita (optional) should be limited to qualifications applicable to the proposed research.
  3. Sponsor of the proposed research.
  4. Purpose of the proposed research, in the context of a summary of previous research, with an explicit statement of what is and is not known about the topic. Indicate what the proposed research could add, stated as benefits to be gained by the discipline and by the subjects.
  5. Methods of the proposed research activity, including appropriateness of the design. Refer to the content of Section 4 as needed for clarification.
  6. Procedures to be used, focusing on the experiences of the subjects in the research.
  7. Subjects
    a.  Subject Selection Criteria for participation
    b.  Subject Exclusion Criteria from participation and justification
    c.  Vulnerable Populations justifying use of subjects such as children, pregnant women, ethnic minorities, prisoners, mentally disabled persons, economically or educationally disadvantaged persons, students in the classroom, or employees in their workplace.
    d.  Risks to Subjects including psychological harm and possible breaches of confidentiality. Explain precautions taken to minimize risk.
    e.  Managing Adverse Reactions physical or emotional, of subjects due to participation.
  8. Informed Consent (see examples of informed consent forms)
    a.  Circumstances Surrounding the Process including:
    1. Recruitment of subjects
    2. Environment or setting
    3. Time frame
    4. Condition of prospective subjects
    5. Primary language of prospective subjects
    6. Autonomy of prospective subjects
    b.  Elements of Informed Consent included in the procedure used, in accord with Paragraph 46.116 of the Code (see also Appendix)
    c.  Informed Consent Documented in written form in accord with Paragraph 47.117 of the Code
You may download the IRB/HSR Research Protocol Outline for your convenience.


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