What defines human subjects in research according to federal regulations?

The definition of human subjects in research, as outlined by federal regulations, specifically includes individuals with whom an investigator interacts or obtains data. This encompasses a broad range of interactions, whether through direct engagement, such as interviews or surveys, or through the collection of data about the individuals' behavior or health information.

This definition emphasizes the active role of the researcher in gathering information from living people, highlighting the ethical obligations researchers have to those individuals. It is crucial because it establishes the need for protections, informed consent, and ethical considerations when conducting research involving human beings.

The other choices do not accurately represent the definition. For instance, referencing non-living beings overlooks the requirement for studying live individuals, while limiting the definition to subjects in clinical trials or those providing information anonymously fails to capture the broader context of human subjects research.