It will help readers for you to say why you want to avoid an IRB? Also, universities vary in what requires submission, it is is often them who decide whether a project requires IRB approval or expedited approval, etc., see https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/guidance/categories-of-research-expedited-review-procedure-1998/index.html

Hello Mary,

In general, using publicly available data is exempt from requiring IRB oversight. However, some IRBs, as Daniel Wright 's response correctly notes, may wish to rule on whether a study is exempt from IRB oversight. Others may be content to let the researcher assume the risk if the project adheres to excepted categories that they (the local IRB) have published or adopted.

Once you get some ideas, it wouldn't hurt to contact your university IRB officer to confirm that your proposed research endeavors would, in fact, be exempt.

Good luck with your work.

You may not determine if you require IRB approval on your own. Although, studies that doesn't involve human or animal exposure to potential risk may easily get a weaver, IRB will want to confirm your research protocol.

Even though non invassive, data collection procedure may be unethical.

Somewhat, IRB is the first line peer review. Some territorial jurisdiction may apply.

Program evaluations

Requirement of approval is only dependent upon your field as far as I know it's required for research in biomedical research