According to the Federal Regulations, research with human subjects is defined as "a living individual about whom an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research: Obtains information or biospecimens through intervention or interaction with the individual, and uses, studies, or analyzes the information or biospecimens; or obtains, uses, studies, analyzes, or generates identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens."
For example, a developmental psychologist videotapes interactions between groups of toddlers and their caregivers to determine which intervention methods most effectively manage aggression. This study meets the definition of research with human subjects because the investigator is obtaining information through interaction with the individuals being studied.
