Human Subjects Research: A Primer

This course is designed to introduce students to research with human subjects. The course will cover study conceptualization, research design, sampling and data collection methods, ethics, and statistical treatment of data. The emphasis will be on behavioral sciences research, but the content will generalize across study fields.

Target Students

The course will be of interest to those undertaking human subjects research or working with human subjects’ data. Those interested in extending their understanding of clinical and behavioral sciences research will also find the course valuable. 

Course Materials

Readings will be assigned. This will include original research articles, research methods papers, and sections of relevant research methods textbooks. The latter will be provided by the faculty member teaching the course. In addition, students will be expected to undertake their literature searches to identify resources for course assignments. 

Assessment items

This course will be fully (100%) internally assessed. Both class participation and assignment completion will contribute to the final grade. 
1. Class participation (30% of grade)

Completion of weekly readings; responses to weekly thought questions; active participation in class discussions. 
Given the importance of active class participation, attendance is expected.

2. Preparation of an information letter(s) and consent form(s) for a human subjects’ research study, (20% of grade)

For this assignment students may prepare materials for their own research (if relevant) or select a research paper describing a study with human participants and prepare the information letter(s) and consent form(s) for that study. Students cannot copy/use existing letters/consent forms in completing this assignment. 

3. Class presentation, a 20-30 minute presentation (20% of grade).

In consultation with the faculty member teaching the class, students will choose a topic (from amongst the course content) to prepare and present to their classmates. 

4. Preparation of a grant application/research proposa (background, hypotheses, methods, statistical analyses, significance) for a human subjects’ research study (30% of grade). 

Students will identify a research question of interest, design a study to address the question and prepare a research proposal/grant application for the study. The faculty member teaching the class will be available to assist students in identifying research topic/question.