Research may be eligible for exemption under federal regulations if it falls into how many categories of research activity?

The correct answer is that research may be eligible for exemption under federal regulations if it falls into six categories of research activity. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has established criteria within these six categories that outline specific types of research that can be exempted from IRB review. These categories generally encompass research involving benign behavioral interventions, educational practices, and the collection of data from public benefit or service programs, among others. Each of these categories provides a framework for determining whether a study poses minimal risk to participants, which is a key factor in assessing exemption eligibility. Understanding these categories is crucial for researchers to ensure compliance with federal regulations while also protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in their studies.