What types of IRB review exist and when is each appropriate for social/behavioral research?

• A. Exemption (low-risk categories like anonymous surveys or public data); Expedited (minimal risk not eligible for exemption); Full Board (higher risk or vulnerable populations)
• B. Only Full Board exists.
• C. Exemption is for high-risk.
• D. Expedited is for deception.

Answer: (A)

In IRB review, the level of oversight depends on how risky the study is. Exemption applies to very low-risk research, such as anonymous surveys or studies using data that cannot identify participants or public data, where participation won’t meaningfully affect participants and the likelihood of harm is minimal. Expedited review is for research that involves no more than minimal risk and fits approved categories for streamlined review, meaning it isn’t eligible for exemption but still poses only a small amount of risk. Full Board review is required when the study carries more than minimal risk, or when it involves vulnerable populations or procedures that don’t fit the exemption or expedited criteria.

For social and behavioral research, this often means: anonymous or de-identified surveys and use of public data can fall under Exemption; studies that are minimal risk but don’t qualify for exemption can be reviewed via Expedited; and projects with greater risk, sensitive topics, or vulnerable participants require Full Board review.

The other statements don’t fit because there is more than one level of review, exemption is not for high-risk studies, and expedited review isn’t specifically limited to deception.