Which of the following studies qualifies as research involving human subjects according to federal guidelines?

The definition of research involving human subjects, according to federal guidelines, specifically identifies studies that engage individuals, directly collect data from them, or examine identifiable private information about them. The scenario of an experiment on gender-related stereotypes in math qualifies as research involving human subjects because it involves human participants who are likely to be engaging in the experiment or providing data that may include their personal responses to the evaluation of stereotypes.

In this context, the participants' responses or behaviors could be observed or measured to draw conclusions about the impact of gender-related stereotypes, making this research directly focused on human subjects and their interactions.

Other options do not fit this definition. A survey on historical events typically does not engage individuals directly about their personal experiences or identifiable information; rather, it collects data that is not focused on living individuals. An observational study of wildlife does not involve human subjects at all, as it focuses on animals rather than humans. Lastly, a focus group about dietary preferences might involve human subjects, but if it merely discusses preferences without further probing personal behaviors or identities concerning diet, it may not rise to the level defined by the federal guidelines as research involving human subjects. Therefore, the experiment focused on gender-related stereotypes is the clear qualifying study.