Per  45 CFR 46.102(l) , "[r]esearch means a systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalized knowledge."

Per 45 CFR46.102(e)(1), "[h]uman subject means a living individual about whom an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research:

(i) Obtains information or biospecimens through intervention or interaction with the individual, and uses, studies or analyzes the information or biospecimens;

(ii) Obtains, uses, studies, analyzes, or generates identifiable private information or identifiable specimens.

Per  45 CFR 46.102(j) , "[m]inimal risk means that the probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated in the research are not greater in and of themselves than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine physical or psychological examinations or tests."

The IRB exists as a body to assure the protection of research subjects in accordance with federal regulations and the ethical principles set forth in the Belmont Report (i.e., respect for persons, beneficence, and justice).

The function of the IRB is to review requests on research involving human participants and to conduct periodic reviews of human participant policies and procedures.

Per 45 CFR 46.111, the IRB “shall determine that all of the following requirements are satisfied: 1) [r]isks to subjects are minimized...; 2) [r]isks to subjects are reasonable in relation to the anticipated benefits...; 3) [s]election of subjects is equitable...; 4) [i]nformed consent will be sought from each prospective subject or the subject’s legally authorized representative, in accordance with, and to the extent required by, 45 CFT 46.116; 5) [i]nformed consent will be appropriately documented or appropriately waived in accordance with 45 CFT 46.117; 6) [w]hen appropriate, the research plan makes adequate provision for monitoring data collected to ensure the safety of subjects; and 7) [w]hen appropriate, [ensure that] there are adequate provisions to protect the privacy of subjects and to maintain the confidentiality of data."

If the IRB determines that benefits of a proposed research study outweighs the risks, they review the consent process to ensure that all potential risks and benefits are clearly identified to prospective participants and that participation is voluntary.

After the review, the IRB may elect to approve, table, or reject the research application. The committee may require protocol revision(s) and resubmission. In the event of requested revisions, the proposal must be resubmitted for IRB review and approval.

There are several activities that may involve human subjects but that are not classified as research. As such, these activities do not fall under the IRB's policies and jurisdiction. All of the types of activities listed below do not require IRB applications or approvals.

1. ATU teacher and student evaluations;
2. Program evaluation research to benefit ATU and carried out by ATU administrative officials and/or their designees;
3. Projects designed to enhance or improve curricula offerings;
4. ATU employee performance evaluations;
5. State of Arkansas mandated program evaluations;
6. Marketing research (designed to market the institution as a product).