Exempt Review Checklist
Institutional Review Board
Category 2
YES NO
2. My research will use surveys, interviews, educational tests, or observations of
public behavior
2a. It will not be possible to connect the data I collect to a specific subject either
directly or indirectly
2b. None of the data I will collect could, if disclosed, place a subject at legal risk,
or damage their financial standing, employability, or reputation.
If you answered “YES” to all of these questions, you may be eligible for an exemption based on
Category 2.
Category 3
YES NO
3. My research will use surveys, interviews, educational tests, or observations of
public behavior
3a. The subjects of my research are public officials or candidates for public office
3b. I am specifically required by federal law to maintain the confidentiality of the
information I gather even after the research has been completed.
If you answered “YES” to Question 3 and to either 3a or 3b, you may be eligible for an exemption
based on Category 3.
CATEGORY 4
YES NO
4. My research involves studying existing data, records, or specimens, rather
than collecting new data.
4a. These sources are publicly available
4b. Subjects cannot be identified from the data available
If you answered “YES” to question 4 and to either 4a or 4b, you may be eligible for an exemption based
on Category 4
