Under federal regulations, when is research eligible for exemption?

Research is eligible for exemption under federal regulations when it falls into one of six specific categories of activity outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These categories are designed to identify types of research that pose minimal risk to participants and are therefore considered exempt from the more rigorous requirements that typically apply to human subjects research.

The existence of these specific categories allows for a streamlined review process for research that is unlikely to cause harm or distress to participants, emphasizing the protection of individual rights while facilitating the advancement of knowledge through various types of studies. It is important for researchers to be familiar with these categories to ensure compliance with ethical standards and federal guidelines.

The other options describe circumstances that do not necessarily determine exemption under the federal regulations. Research conducted by educational institutions, involvement of non-human subjects, or the provision of compensation does not directly correlate with the exemption criteria outlined in the regulations.