Use of Secondary Data at Penn State

Restrictions on Data Use

It is also essential to consider the legal issues associated with the use of a given dataset (which is not a public use file). Several federal agencies impose restrictions on the use of confidential data, such as limited scope of use, limited period of access, and specific access and storage procedures. Generally, the data release forms of each agency dictate the level and extent of security measures required. Failure to comply with the data release agreements or restrictions could result in cancellation of funding and debarment from future grants or contracts from any federal agency. Further, violating any confidentiality agreement with a federal agency could lead to fines and imprisonment. It is recommended that the restrictions stipulated by the specific federal agency be examined in detail, prior to accessing any dataset.

Penn State University's Human Subjects Research Basic Training Seminar

Before you use any data at Penn State involving human participants you are required to take Penn State University's Human Subjects Research Basic Training Seminar.

This electronic basic training course has been mandated by Federal regulations and is required before approval can be granted for the use of human participants in any University research project.

Each person proposing to conduct research involving human participants (collecting new data or using existing data) must complete the basic training at least once while at Penn State. After you have read the web material presented, you will be presented with the quiz link. The quiz does not have to be taken as soon as you finish reading. You will be presented with 10 randomly selected questions. Upon completion of the quiz, your answers will be scored and the results will be immediately submitted to you and the Office for Research Protections.

Completion of this course and a passing grade of at least 70% on the corresponding exam will fulfill the training requirement. Please note that you may re-take the exam, if needed; however, you cannot simply change incorrect answers. A new quiz will need to be completed and submitted.

Before you start any research project - honors or master's thesis, doctoral dissertation, grant funded research, or any research that could result in published materials or be presented in a public venue- you must receive approval from Penn State's Institutional Review Board (IRB). This form must be filled out by anyone who is involved in any of the research endeavors mentioned above.

A recent change now is that if you have not taken the Human Participants Training Course (see above), you will not be granted IRB approval. Make sure you take the course before you seek IRB approval.