Q. Does the HRPP apply to the research I am doing?
A. If your study meets the definition of Human Subject Research, then the HRPP applies.  Principal Investigators cannot make this determination themselves.  They must submit their study details to the IRB for an applicability review.  Please see Applicability Review Flowchart for more information on how to do this.

Q. I am sure my study is going to be found human subjects research, do I still need to do an applicability review or can I begin by just completing a full HRPP application?
A. No, an applicability review needs to be conducted for ALL studies regardless of the likelihood that they will/will not be found to be human subjects research. Information in the applicability review can be re-used when completing the full application.

Q. How long will the HRPP process take?
A. This depends on a number of factors, such as whether your study is found to be human subjects research, whether you are using external consultants, and how much time is spent completing forms.  Even if your study is found to not be human subjects research, the process can take up to a week from when you submit the forms.  If your study is found to be human subjects research the process will be significantly longer.  Please make sure to plan accordingly.

Q. My study needs to go out tomorrow, but I did not go through the appropriate process for HRPP, can you speed the process up for me?
A. No, HRPP incorporates elements and individuals from throughout the Marine Corps and Navy chains-of-command; it is not possible to skip steps in the process or to force individuals to speed up the time frame.

Q. How do I submit a package to the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
A. Please see the HRPP homepage for more information on how to do this.

Q. I have received feedback from my HRPP representative to make changes to my protocol, do I have to make all of them?
A. Yes, if you are receiving feedback from your HRPP representative, this means that your current protocol is unlikely to pass review.  If all changes are not made it will delay the process, so make sure to be thorough when adjusting your protocol.

Q. Can I use SurveyMonkey?
A. It depends on what the survey is asking, what demographic information you are collecting, and if you want to use the free or the licensed version.  Please contact the USMC Survey Office for more information.

Q. I was contacted to participate in a study or take a survey.  How do I know that it has been reviewed by an IRB?
A. Studies that have been reviewed by the IRB require participants to be given an informed consent.  If you did not receive an informed consent, you should contact the Principle Investigator or the HRPP POC to determine if the study has been reviewed.

Q. My research is “exempt,” what does that mean?
A. Exempt Research is still Human Subject Research (HSR) and needs to be reviewed by the IRB.  The difference between exempt and non-exempt research is the informed consent process.  Exempt research doesn't require documentation of informed consent.  Please contact the HRPP POC for more information.

Q. Does Marine Corps support extramural research?
A. Yes.