For more information:
Email UsSocial, Behavioral, and Education Research
Social, Behavioral, and Education Research (SBER) encompasses a range of methodologies and tackles questions that seek to improve our understanding of human behavior, attitudes, beliefs, and interactions as well as social and economic systems, organizations, and institutions.
The primary focus of SBER is on the actions of diverse groups including individuals and families, and regional populations and nations. Often SBE research utilizes methods such as interviews, surveys, focus groups, observation, and/or behavioral manipulations. Census and employment data as well as records from education, social service, or healthcare programs may also be incorporated. Knowledge gained from SBE research informs the development of prevention and intervention programs and facilitates strategies in policy and practice.
Issues to Consider When Conducting SBE Research
Researchers and IRBs must understand:
- The nature of the risks, harms, and impacts associated with the research
- Factors likely to contribute to increased risk in otherwise relatively low-risk research
- How to design research with sufficient protections in place to minimize the risk of negative impacts
- How risks may change as the nature of the research changes or moves forward in a different direction
Consent Template Instructions for Simple Minimal Risk Social, Behavioral, and Educational Research (SBER) Studies
Looking for guidance on what information belongs in the informed consent for your minimal-risk social, behavioral, or educational research study? We’ve got you covered, with a helpful tool for determining what information must be included in your informed consent form, answering where, when, and how. View consent template.
Ethnography Research Guidance
The Harvard Catalyst SBER subcommittee in partnership with the Boston College Office for Research Protections has created two guidance documents on considerations for conducting and reviewing ethnography research.
Ethnography Research Documents
Ethnography Guidance for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs): Considerations for Reviewing Ethnographic Research
Our Ethnography Guidance for Reviewers is designed to help clarify what information researchers should be able to provide in their IRB application, as well as when and where flexibility is necessary or acceptable.
Ethnography Guidance for Researchers: Considerations for Conducting Ethnographic Research
Ethnographic studies evolve over time, and maintaining regulatory compliance may be challenging. Our Ethnography Guidance for Researchers is designed to provide assistance for navigating those challenges.
SBER Case Study Library
SBER Case Studies
Additional Resources
Social and Behavioral Research Brochure
General information for potential research participants on what social and behavioral research is, the risks of taking part in this kind of research, and questions to ask before participating.
Onsite SBER Training and Education
(Request Consultation: regulatory@catalyst.harvard.edu)
A customizable, case-based curriculum delivered and moderated by IRB experts.
Harvard Catalyst Social Behavioral Education Research (SBER) Subcommittee
Members of the Harvard Catalyst SBER Subcommittee bring to the table their expertise in research policy, review, and compliance, as well as the development of educational initiatives and engagement with community members. Subcommittee members are professionals from within and beyond the Harvard community who share experiences in the review of SBE research, discuss emerging issues in this field, and develop common resources and guidance for investigators and institutions.
Contacts
For more information, please email regulatory@catalyst.harvard.edu.
To request any of the above documents be made accessible please email communications@catalyst.harvard.edu.