IRB (Institutional Review Board)

Definition

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee established to review and approve research involving human subjects, ensuring that ethical standards are upheld. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and welfare of participants by overseeing the informed consent process and maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive data.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IRBs are mandated by federal regulations for any research involving human subjects, particularly in institutions that receive federal funding.
2. The IRB evaluates research proposals for ethical concerns such as risk assessment, informed consent processes, and privacy protections for participants.
3. There are typically three levels of review by an IRB: full board review, expedited review, and exempt review, depending on the nature of the research.
4. Researchers must submit detailed protocols to the IRB outlining their research methods, participant recruitment strategies, and plans for data management before starting their studies.
5. IRBs play an essential role in promoting public trust in research by ensuring that ethical standards are maintained throughout the research process.

Review Questions

• How does an IRB contribute to protecting human subjects in research?
  • An IRB contributes to protecting human subjects by thoroughly reviewing research proposals to assess potential risks and ensure ethical standards are upheld. The board evaluates informed consent processes, confirming that participants understand what their involvement entails. Additionally, it monitors privacy measures to safeguard sensitive information, ultimately prioritizing the welfare of participants throughout the study.
• Discuss the importance of informed consent in the IRB review process and its implications for research ethics.
  • Informed consent is a fundamental element of the IRB review process because it ensures that participants are fully aware of the risks, benefits, and nature of their involvement in a study. The IRB assesses how researchers plan to communicate this information and secure voluntary agreement from participants. This not only protects individuals' autonomy but also strengthens the ethical foundation of research by fostering transparency and trust between researchers and participants.
• Evaluate the impact of IRB regulations on research practices and the advancement of scientific knowledge.
  • IRB regulations have a significant impact on research practices by establishing ethical guidelines that researchers must follow when conducting studies involving human subjects. While these regulations can sometimes slow down the approval process or limit certain types of research, they ultimately promote a culture of ethical responsibility and respect for participants. This balance ensures that scientific advancements do not come at the expense of individuals' rights or well-being, thereby enhancing public trust in research findings and fostering responsible innovation in scientific inquiry.

Related terms

Informed Consent: The process through which researchers provide potential participants with clear information about the study, allowing them to voluntarily decide whether to participate.

Confidentiality: The ethical principle that involves keeping participants' personal information private and protected from unauthorized access.

Human Subjects Research: Research that involves collecting data from or about living individuals, which requires special ethical considerations and protections.