Which factor determines whether online activity constitutes research with human subjects?

Which factor determines whether online activity constitutes research with human subjects?

• A. Whether data is collected online or offline.
• B. Whether individuals are identifiable and data is collected for research purposes.
• C. Whether the study has a funding source.
• D. The length of the study.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is identifiability alongside the purpose of data collection. Online activity counts as research with human subjects when the information involves identifiable individuals and the data are being collected specifically for research purposes. If you can identify who the data pertain to (names, usernames tied to real people, contact information, or any data that could reveal identity) and you’re gathering that information to contribute to generalizable knowledge, then it involves human subjects and falls under protections like IRB oversight. If the data are fully anonymous or de-identified so individuals cannot be linked to the information, or if the activity isn’t for research at all, then it isn’t considered research with human subjects in the same sense. Data collected online versus offline and whether there is a funding source or how long the study lasts do not determine whether human subjects protections apply.

The key idea is identifiability alongside the purpose of data collection. Online activity counts as research with human subjects when the information involves identifiable individuals and the data are being collected specifically for research purposes. If you can identify who the data pertain to (names, usernames tied to real people, contact information, or any data that could reveal identity) and you’re gathering that information to contribute to generalizable knowledge, then it involves human subjects and falls under protections like IRB oversight.

If the data are fully anonymous or de-identified so individuals cannot be linked to the information, or if the activity isn’t for research at all, then it isn’t considered research with human subjects in the same sense. Data collected online versus offline and whether there is a funding source or how long the study lasts do not determine whether human subjects protections apply.