Using Pre-Existing Data

Database with no identifiers - this does not require human participant research review as there are no longer any human participants – it’s just data.

Publicly available database with identifiers - this does not require human participant research review as there are no privacy issues involved.  See list of Public Data Sets.

Database with identifiers - collected for research purposes

  • Qualifies for exemption if the data is recorded for the research project with no identifying information.
  • Requires expedited review if the data is recorded for the research project with identifying information but is minimal risk.  Waiver of consent may or may not be granted.
  • Requires full review if the data is recorded for the research project with identifying information and is at a more than minimal risk level.  Waiver of consent may or may not be granted.

Database with identifiers - originally collected for non-research purpose (e.g. class/course evaluations, medical records, educational records).  Access to the data is restricted to authorized persons.

  • Qualifies for exemption if the identifiers are removed by a person with authorized access to the data prior to recording the data for the research project.
  • Requires expedited review if the data is recorded for the research project with identifying information but is minimal risk.  Waiver of consent may or may not be granted.
  • Requires full review if the data is recorded for the research project with identifying information and is at a more than minimal risk level.  Waiver of consent may or may not be granted.

October 16, 2009