Human Research Protection Program

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Social and Behavioral Human Subjects Research vs. Program Evaluation

Distinguishing between simple program evaluation and human subjects research can sometimes be difficult. While the federal regulations use the term "evaluation" in their definition of research, most program evaluations do not, in fact, fall under this definition.

The chart below lists some features that are common to each type of project and is intended to help investigators determine whether their project requires review by the Human Research Protection Program and/or the Institutional Review Board. Note that not all projects will fall squarely into one column or the other; if in doubt, always contact the HRPP for guidance.

Feature	Social and Behavioral Human Subjects Research	Program Evaluation
Purpose	To test a hypothesis or answer a research question To advance general knowledge in the academic, scientific or professional community To fill gaps in current literature	To improve a program, practice or process To judge a program’s effectiveness To judge a program’s merit or worth To provide information for and about a specific program
Motivation	Intellectual curiosity To answer scientific questions To advance broad knowledge and theory To portray individuals, groups or societies involved	Program mandate Program decision-making
Initiator	Investigator/scientist	Program stakeholders
Study Question	How does it work?	How well does it work?
Focus	On subjects	On program
Results	Not generally expected to directly or immediately affect subjects Generate new research questions	Expected to directly affect program practice or conduct Identify improvements
Dissemination of Results	Expectation to present or publish in scholarly forum or publication	Present to program stakeholders May present or publish widely to suggest potentially effective models and strategies, or provide benchmarks