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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.
SBER Case Study Library
These case studies examine regulatory issues specific to various SBE research projects and provide suggestions for managing those issues.
Case studies follow a standard format that includes:
- Scenario/fact pattern
- Regulatory, Cultural, and Ethical Issues to be considered
- Resolutions & Discussions:
- Risk/Benefit Analysis
- Mitigation/Management Options of Risks
- Alternate Details and Other Events
If you have feedback on an existing case study, a suggestion for a new case study topic, or would be interested in collaborating on case study development, please contact us.
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.