What type of research activity qualifies as research with human subjects according to federal definitions?

Research with human subjects is defined by federal regulations as any systematic investigation that involves obtaining data through intervention or interaction with individuals or identifiable private information. The correct choice illustrates a scenario in which researchers engage directly with individuals—gathering qualitative data about their experiences through an online focus group. This direct interaction qualifies as research involving human subjects because it collects information based on the personal perspectives and lived experiences of participants, who are providing data that can be linked back to them as individuals.

In contrast, conducting a literature review focuses on existing research and does not involve direct interaction or data collection from individuals, thus not qualifying under the federal definition. Gathering data from surveys is another sensitive area; however, without further specifics on whether the surveys involve identifiable data, it isn't clearly established as research with human subjects. Analyzing aggregate data that lacks personal identifiers does not involve human subjects, as the analysis does not connect back to identifiable individuals, making it exempt from this classification. Therefore, the online focus group, where individuals share their experiences directly, is the scenario that best fits the definition of research involving human subjects.