Institutional Review Board

A campus ethics committee exists for the purpose of supervising research involving human subjects. This committee must approve any proposal before the research can be conducted. The statements published by the American Psychological Association serve as guidelines concerning ethical principles in psychological research. All students in the Department of Psychology should be familiar with these guidelines.

A campus committee exists to review the care and use of animals at Hamilton College, and the College vivarium is routinely inspected by the Department of Health of the State of New York. The guidelines developed by the American Psychological Association are strictly observed in any research and teaching involving animals sponsored by the Department of Psychology. Students intending to undertake supervised research involving animals are required to submit a proposal to the Animal Care Committee for review by the end of the first week of the term in which the work is to be conducted.

As in other academic work, honesty in research is governed by the Hamilton College Honor Code, regardless of whether the work is conducted for a course, as part of an independent study or senior project, or as a departmental research assistant. Fraud in such work includes the misrepresentation of work conducted, the fabrication of data, or plagiarism.

The purpose of the Biosafety Program is to protect all employees, students, the public, as well as the environment from exposure to biological agents or materials being used at the Hamilton College that may cause disease or be harmful to humans. This manual provides a comprehensive overview of proper work practices, regulations, and requirements for proper use, containment and disposal of biological hazards.