IRB Review for Social-Behavioral Research

TIER IRB provides independent IRB review for social-behavioral research. TIER IRB is registered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Human Research Protections (IRB00014054, parent organization IORG0010811). We review studies from researchers, consultants, and organizations that do not have an institutional IRB, or that want a faster and more personal review than a large institution can offer.

Social-behavioral research is our core work. We do not review drug trials or biological research, so every member of our board is focused on studies like yours: surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation, and behavioral interventions.

Social-Behavioral Studies We Review

• Surveys and questionnaires, online or in person
• Individual interviews and focus groups
• Observational studies in community, workplace, and public settings
• Behavioral interventions and pilot programs
• Mixed-methods and community-based participatory research
• User experience, consumer preference, and technology studies
• Secondary analysis of existing data that includes identifiable information

Exempt, Expedited, or Full Board

Most social-behavioral studies are minimal risk, and many qualify for exempt review under the federal exemption categories in 45 CFR 46. Studies that do not fit an exemption but are still minimal risk often qualify for expedited review. Studies that involve more than minimal risk, or sensitive topics with vulnerable participants, go to the full board.

You do not have to decide the category yourself. We confirm the right pathway when your submission comes in. If you want to understand the differences first, read our guide to exempt vs. expedited vs. full board IRB review.

What We Look for in Social-Behavioral Research

Risk in social-behavioral studies is usually not physical. It comes from what participants share and what happens to that information. So our review focuses on:

• Privacy and confidentiality, including how you store, de-identify, and report data
• Informed consent that is clear, honest, and written at the right reading level
• Questions on sensitive topics and how you handle distress or disclosures
• Recruitment methods that avoid pressure or undue influence
• Extra protections for children, students, employees, and other groups with less power to say no

Every review is guided by the Belmont Report principles: respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.

How the Review Works

• Optional pre-review: talk through your protocol with a board member before you submit, so gaps get caught early.
• Submit: send your protocol, consent documents, and instruments such as surveys or interview guides.
• Review: we confirm the submission is complete and route it to the right review level.
• Determination: you receive a written determination you can share with funders, partners, or journals.

Exempt and expedited social-behavioral reviews typically take about two weeks once we have a complete application. Full board review typically takes about four weeks. Published flat fees for each level are on our IRB fees and submission steps page.

Why Researchers Choose TIER IRB

TIER has more than 20 years of experience in research, evaluation, and IRB review, and our board works exclusively on social-behavioral, educational, and evaluation research. That means reviewers who understand your methods and do not apply clinical-trial standards to a survey or interview study.

• HHS-registered IRB you can verify in the OHRP database
• Flat, published fees with no surprise charges
• A board member you can talk to before and during review
• Written determinations that funders, partners, and journals recognize
• Service for researchers anywhere in the United States, based in Redfield, KS

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my survey study need IRB review?

If your project is research involving human subjects, it generally needs an IRB determination, even if it is likely exempt. Many surveys qualify for exemption, but the IRB usually makes that call, not the researcher.

Can you review research conducted online?

Yes. We review online surveys, virtual interviews, and studies that recruit through social media or online panels, as long as the research is conducted in the United States.

Do you review studies with minors?

Yes. Research with children has additional federal protections, and fewer exemptions apply. We review these studies and help you plan for parental permission and child assent.

Can you help write my consent form?

Yes. Our informed consent development service produces clear, compliant consent documents written for your participants.