Typically, IRB applications are only submitted for research in the sciences and social sciences. Scholars working in the humanities are usually exempt, but in some cases applications for research funding will require a modified IRB application in these fields as well (usually indicating that the research does not involve human subjects).
IRB applications typically require submission of the research plan, drafts of any instruments used (for example, surveys or questionnaires), research protocols to be followed and copies of all consent forms to be administered.
An initial review by a smaller intake committee of the Institutional Review Board may determine that the research is approved, exempt or rejected. In some cases, this preliminary committee may call for a more comprehensive review by the full Institutional Review Board.