This course is based on the National Institute of Health Protecting Human Research Participants Course.   Research with human participants can sometimes result in a dilemma for researchers. For example, when the researchers have a goal to examine the effectiveness of an intervention, they may see the outcome of their study as more important than providing protections for the individuals participating in the research. It is not ethical behavior to use individuals solely as a means to an end. 

The importance of demonstrating respect for research participants is reflected in the principles used to define ethical research and the regulations and policies that describe the implementation of those principles. 

This course is designed to prepare individuals involved in the design and/or implementation of research involving human participants to understand their responsibilities to protect the rights and welfare of human participants in research.  

Course Objectives

• Describe the importance of human protections for research participants
• Understand the purpose of Asbury Theological Seminary's IRB
• Identify research activities that involve human participants
• Understand how to minimize the risks posed by a research project
• Understand additional issues that should be considered for international research
• Describe appropriate procedures for recruiting research participants and obtaining informed consent
• Identify methods to protect the privacy of individuals and the confidentiality of data
• Understand the importance of study design in the protection of research participants