Which of the following studies meets the definition of research with human subjects according to federal regulations?

The study involving 20 4th grade classrooms collecting weekly assessments over three months meets the definition of research with human subjects according to federal regulations because it directly involves human participants—specifically, the students in those classrooms. Federal regulations define research involving human subjects as any research that involves obtaining data through intervention or interaction with individuals or identifiable private information. In this scenario, the assessments would likely involve collecting data from the students, thereby classifying it as research that involves human subjects.

In contrast, the other options do not qualify. The survey conducted among college students about their favorite food also involves human subjects; however, it may not be as clearly framed within the context of federally regulated research, depending on additional factors such as the nature of data collection and its intended use. The study examining temperature preferences of laboratory mice does not involve humans, as it focuses solely on an animal subject. Lastly, the retrospective study analyzing public health records might involve human subjects indirectly, but if the records are de-identified, it may fall outside the definition of research involving human subjects since it does not collect data directly from individuals.