Categories of research (primarily educational, behavioral, social science and research involving existing data, medical records, and pathological specimens) that present little or no risk to the research participants. Research that qualifies for "Exemption from IRB Review" must meet one of six categories outlined in the Common Rule (e.g. 45 CFR 46.101(b) and should not involve vulnerable research participants except under unique situations. Reference Robert Amdur and Elizabeth Bankert Institutional Review Board - Management and Function, Boston: Jones and Bartlell Publishers, p. 111.