How is My Application Reviewed

Research studies/projects fall into one of three categories: exempt, expedited, and full board review. Given the mission statement and goals of the doctoral programs at Aspen University, most dissertation research and doctoral projects fall into the exempt or expedited categories, which in general means there is no more than minimal risk to participants. Minimal risk is defined as the probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated are not greater in and of themselves than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine physical or psychological examinations or tests.

Occasionally a study/project will require a full committee review, for example collecting sensitive information (see below for examples) and/or proposing participants from a vulnerable population (see below for a partial list of vulnerable populations). While your CITI training will go into depth regarding levels of review, some frequently asked questions are included here.