Research Projects
	For any research, the students need to write a "problem statement" in which they describe why it is important to do the research. For carrying out the research, an experimental design is preferred: requires control group, random selection or assignment to control and experimental groups, research questions and/or hypothesis, identification of independent and dependent variables, etc. A quasi-experimental design also is acceptable: This is the same as experimental design except that randomization is not employed. See Students and Research for extensive guidance on experimental design. Other research in which there is no control group, such as surveying or applying a treatment to a single group or analyzing existing data also is acceptable. However, research that is only "library or Internet" research should not be science project. Library or Internet research should be done to learn about the problem targeted by the research, help design the research, and make meaning of the findings. In doing research, HSTA needs to conform to the rules of West Virginia University, and also strives to follow those rules for precollege research set forth by the International Engineering and Science Fair (see http://www.sciserv.org/isefrule.htm ). Further, students should not be engaged in research with biohazardous substances, including human blood and body fluids and human pathogens. Any research that is done on humans must be approved ahead of time by the WVU Institutional Review Board (IRB) for human subjects. A specific application must be completed. If the research does not collect data on minors, does not deal with sensitive issues (e.g., alcohol intake or sexual behavior), and otherwise is "minimal risk," it usually qualifies for the "Exemption Application." For exemption research, the teacher and involved students are listed as the "investigators." Other research requires the more extensive "Expedited or Quorum Applications" (involves protocol, discussion, consent forms, etc). In addition, expedited or quorum research always needs to have a WVU faculty person with specialized knowledge of the research to be the principal investigator of the research; the teacher and students may be listed as co-investigators. Any research that is done on animals also must be approved in advance by the WVU Animal Use and Care Committee, and this also requires an application. The teacher needs to contact Jenny Bardwell, HSTA Curriculum Coordinator, no later than November 15 to determine which type of application for human or vertebrate animal research is necessary, and the teacher needs to assist the students in completing the applications. All applications must be completed and submitted before December 15.