Engagement in research constitutes activities that involve direct interaction with research subjects or handling identifiable private information for the purpose of the research project. Specifically, activities such as obtaining informed consent from participants and conducting research interviews are considered active engagement in research. Other activities like merely providing written information about a study, informing potential subjects about the availability of research, or obtaining permission to contact them are considered preliminary steps but do not constitute direct engagement in the research process. In summary:
- Activities that constitute engagement include obtaining informed consent and conducting research interviews.
- Providing study information, informing about research availability, or getting permission to contact subjects are not regarded as engagement in research.
This distinction aligns with ethical and regulatory guidance on human subjects research and IRB review requirements.