If a research project requires participants to complete tasks on a computer without recording identifiable information, does this classify as human subjects research?

The classification of research involving human subjects is primarily based on whether the research involves obtaining information about individuals through intervention or interaction, or by collecting identifiable private information. Even if identifiable information is not recorded, the use of tasks completed by participants still involves interactions with humans in a research context, which typically falls under the umbrella of human subjects research.

In this scenario, the participants are engaging in tasks on a computer, which means that there is direct involvement of human subjects in the research activity. The fact that identifiable information is not recorded does not negate the classification as human subjects research; what matters is that individual participant responses and experiences during the tasks are being analyzed. This necessary interaction categorizes the activity as human subjects research regardless of how the data is stored or whether any identifiable information is collected.

The other considerations, such as whether feedback is collected or if the tasks are psychological in nature, don't fundamentally change the classification. The core aspect is the interaction with human subjects, making it clear that any research directly involving participants in any way is classified as human subjects research.