Frequently Asked Questions
Does my project qualify for Expedited Review?
4/21/2025
Studies that meet the definition of regulated research under the Common Rule may fit within one or more categories of "Expedited" research. In order for a research study to be deemed "Expedited," investigators will need to submit an application to the IRB, along with study related materials (e.g., consent forms, surveys, questionnaires, interview scripts/outlines, etc.). Please note that an "Expedited" review does NOT mean quicker/faster. A typical "Expedited" review can take between 3-6 weeks.
Below is a comparison chart of the most commonly-seen Expedited categories of review, along with an Exempt example for comparison.
|
Expedited Category |
Definition |
Example |
Exempt Category and Example |
|
Category 4 |
Collection of data through noninvasive procedures routinely employed in clinical practice, excluding procedures involving x-rays or microwaves. |
Physical sensors applied to surface of the body or at a distance. |
If you are conducting an intervention where the participants are being exposed to stimuli such as color, light, or sound at a safe level, then your project likely falls within Exempt Category 3. |
|
Category 5 |
Research involving materials (data, documents, records, or specimen) that have been collected, or will be collected solely for nonresearch purposes (such as medical treatment or diagnosis). |
Chart reviews, studies using student records, or collection/use of discarded tissues. |
If you are conducting a chart review where the patients cannot be readily identified through any identifiers, then your project likely falls within Exempt Category 4. |
|
Category 6 |
Collection of data from voice, video, digital, or image records made for research purposes. |
Audio/video recordings of interviews or focus groups. |
If you are conducting an interview or survey that does not ask sensitive information and the information cannot readily identify the subject, then your project likely falls within Exempt Category 2. |
|
Category 7 |
Research on individual or group characteristics or behavior (including, but not limited to, research on perception, cognition, motivation, identity, language, communication, cultural beliefs or practices, and social behavior) or research employing survey, interview, oral history, focus group, program evaluation, human factors evaluation, or quality assurance methodologies. |
Interviewing or surveying that asks about sensitive information (such as illegal behaviors or medical records). |
If you are conducting an interview or survey that does not ask sensitive information and the information cannot readily identify the subject, then your project likely falls within Exempt Category 2. |
Please note, a project can fall into more than one Expedited reivew category. If you believe your project should be reviewed under multiple categories, please select all that apply when submitting your protocol.
Further guidance on the common Expedited Review Categories can be found here.
If you believe your project falls within Expedited categories 1-3 or you have any questions, please email researchcompliance@siue.edu.
