/Institutions/United-States-University/json/current/IRB-Handbook-Doctoral-Student-Edition-local.json

/Institutions/United-States-University/json/current/IRB-Handbook-Doctoral-Student-Edition.json

Sensitive Topics

Given the goals of the doctoral programs at USU, a student is not expected to propose a study that investigates a sensitive topic (and remember that research that may induce physical, mental, or emotional discomfort is prohibited). 

Sensitive topics include: 

• Sexual orientation, incest, rape, sexual molestation, deviant sexual behaviors, or attitudes regarding sexual conduct, practices of contraception, abortion and/or pregnancy

• Substance use and/or abuse including, but not limited to alcohol, marijuana, steroids, amphetamines, narcotics, and any prescription medication legally or illegally obtained

• Questions regarding mental health (e.g., suicide, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors including, but not limited to, gambling, smoking, eating)

• Traumatic experiences of an individual, including war or combat experiences of veterans

Any interview, survey, or questionnaire that proposes to investigate opinions, behaviors, and/or experiences regarding, but not limited to, any of the above would be considered research on a sensitive topic. If you believe your research area may include a sensitive topic, your chair is encouraged to reach out to the IRB early so they can help you determine if your project/study would be approved at USU.