Certification for IRB Professionals (CIP) Practice Exam

If children are subjects in an exempt category 2, what action is permitted?

1. Conduct interviews

2. Observe their public behavior

3. Use their personal data

4. Administer surveys

The correct answer is: Observe their public behavior

In the context of research involving children under an exempt category 2, observing their public behavior is permitted. Exempt category 2 generally pertains to research involving educational practices and the assessment of educational settings or programs, where the activities are typically considered low risk. Observing children in public behaviors does not involve interaction or the collection of sensitive private information, thus aligning with the exempt provisions. This means that such observation is consistent with minimizing risk and not requiring prior consent, provided it occurs in a public setting. Engaging in interviews, using personal data, or administering surveys typically involves more direct interaction or access to sensitive information, which may not align with the criteria for exemption when working with children. Hence, those actions require greater ethical considerations and may not qualify under the same exempt category. Observational research represents a less intrusive method of gathering information and is appropriately allowed within this framework.