Ensuring Ethical Research Standards

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Kennesaw State ensures all research involving human subjects meets ethical standards and complies with regulations. The IRB reviews and approves research proposals, including those by students, to protect participants and uphold institutional integrity. For details on review classifications and procedures, please refer to our IRB Review Classifications page or contact us at irb@kennesaw.edu.

Purpose of the Institutional Review Board

The IRB's purpose is to regulate all research activities involving human subjects on the campus of Kennesaw State University, ensuring that people who participate in research are treated ethically and in compliance with all federal and state laws and regulations. Our overriding principle is to protect all human subjects, including; the institution, researchers, and participants.

Scope and Oversight of the Institutional Review Board

Kennesaw State University requires prior review and approval to be obtained from the IRB for all research involving human participants, including plans to gather data from participants:

  • For all graduate and undergraduate student projects conducted outside the classroom, including Master’s theses and dissertations. Student research involving human subjects cannot be conducted without supervision by a Faculty Advisor as well as IRB oversight.
  • Employing the administration of any substance or stimulus
  • Utilizing an interview, survey, focus group or observation to collect data
  • That are Elected or Public Officials
  • From the study of de-identified existing data, documents, records, pathological specimens, or diagnostic specimens.
  • Involved in public benefit or service programs
  • Involved in taste tests and food quality evaluation

The IRB has the authority to approve, require modifications (to secure approval), and disapprove research proposals and to suspend or terminate research that is not conducted in accordance with the IRB's requirements or that has been associated with any possible harm to subjects.

While projects conducted for routine assessment of teaching effectiveness, curriculum, university processes and procedures, and customer satisfaction may be considered exempt, only the IRB can determine if a study is exempt and therefore requires submission for review and either approved /exempted /denied by the IRB.