Which research method meets the federal definition of research with human subjects?

The selected answer, hosting an online focus group with cancer survivors, meets the federal definition of research with human subjects because it involves direct interaction or intervention with individuals who are being studied. According to the federal regulations, research with human subjects encompasses any systematic investigation that obtains information about living individuals through intervention or interaction, or through gathering identifiable private information.

In this scenario, the focus group involves actively engaging cancer survivors, collecting qualitative data, and likely obtaining their personal experiences and opinions related to their circumstances. This process not only involves human subjects but also requires the researcher to consider ethical implications such as informed consent, confidentiality, and the potential for harm. Therefore, it clearly fits within the federal definition of research involving human subjects, as it seeks to learn from the direct contributions of individuals.

The other options do not meet this definition due to their nature. Conducting a public poll on social media may gather opinions but does not involve systematic investigation with identifiable private information nor does it draw on personal experience in a manner that requires ethical considerations typical in research contexts. Surveying anonymous users on a blog also lacks the interaction aspect with human subjects, as it does not identify individuals or require personal input that would necessitate the same ethical oversight. Analyzing publicly available data without