Institutional Review Board

Definition

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee that reviews and approves research involving human subjects to ensure that ethical standards are met. IRBs are responsible for safeguarding the rights and welfare of participants, evaluating research protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices in research ethics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IRBs are required by federal regulations for any research involving human subjects, ensuring ethical oversight in research practices.
2. The primary role of an IRB is to assess the risks and benefits of proposed research studies, balancing the need for scientific advancement with participant safety.
3. IRBs consist of a diverse group of individuals, including scientists, ethicists, and community members, to provide a well-rounded perspective on ethical issues.
4. In addition to initial approval, IRBs also monitor ongoing research to ensure continued compliance with ethical standards throughout the study.
5. Research proposals submitted to an IRB must include detailed information on informed consent procedures, risk assessment, and participant recruitment strategies.

Review Questions

• Discuss the role of an Institutional Review Board in protecting the rights of research participants.
  • An Institutional Review Board plays a critical role in protecting research participants by reviewing studies for ethical considerations. They evaluate research proposals to ensure that risks are minimized and that informed consent processes are clearly outlined. By requiring researchers to justify their methodologies and demonstrate how they will safeguard participants' rights and welfare, IRBs act as a necessary check on the ethical conduct of research involving human subjects.
• Analyze how the composition of an Institutional Review Board can influence its decision-making process regarding research proposals.
  • The composition of an Institutional Review Board significantly influences its decision-making by bringing diverse perspectives to the review process. Having members from various fields—such as medicine, ethics, law, and community representatives—ensures that multiple viewpoints are considered when assessing potential risks and benefits of research proposals. This diversity helps IRBs make well-rounded decisions that uphold ethical standards while considering scientific merit.
• Evaluate the impact of Institutional Review Boards on the advancement of scientific research in relation to ethical standards.
  • Institutional Review Boards play a crucial role in balancing the advancement of scientific research with the necessity of ethical standards. While they can sometimes slow down the approval process for new studies, their presence ensures that human rights are not compromised for scientific progress. This oversight fosters public trust in research by demonstrating a commitment to ethical practices, ultimately enabling researchers to conduct studies that are both innovative and ethically sound.

Related terms

Informed Consent: The process by which researchers provide potential participants with comprehensive information about a study, allowing them to make an educated decision about their participation.

Research Ethics: A set of guidelines and principles that govern the conduct of research, ensuring that studies are designed and implemented in a way that respects the rights and dignity of participants.

Compliance: The adherence to established laws, regulations, and ethical standards during the conduct of research, particularly regarding the treatment of human subjects.