Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Definition

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee established to review and oversee research involving human subjects, ensuring that ethical standards are maintained throughout the research process. The IRB evaluates the risks and benefits of the proposed research, ensuring that participants' rights and welfare are protected. This oversight is crucial in maintaining public trust in research practices and upholding ethical standards in various fields, especially within health and social sciences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IRBs are required by federal regulations in the United States to review research proposals involving human subjects to ensure ethical compliance.
2. The composition of an IRB must include a diverse group of individuals, including scientists, non-scientists, and community members, to provide varied perspectives on the proposed research.
3. IRBs have the authority to approve or disapprove research studies based on their ethical considerations, as well as monitor ongoing studies for continued compliance with ethical standards.
4. In addition to protecting participants' rights, IRBs also aim to ensure that research has scientific merit and contributes positively to knowledge in its field.
5. Failure to obtain IRB approval can result in severe consequences for researchers, including legal penalties, loss of funding, and damage to their professional reputation.

Review Questions

• How does an Institutional Review Board (IRB) contribute to the protection of human subjects in research?
  • An Institutional Review Board (IRB) plays a crucial role in protecting human subjects by thoroughly reviewing research proposals to assess potential risks and benefits. The IRB ensures that researchers have implemented necessary measures for informed consent and confidentiality, which are vital for respecting participants' autonomy. By evaluating the ethical implications of a study before it begins, the IRB helps maintain high ethical standards and fosters public trust in the research process.
• Discuss the composition of an IRB and its significance in ensuring diverse perspectives during the review process.
  • The composition of an IRB is significant as it includes a diverse mix of individuals such as scientists, non-scientists, and community representatives. This diversity ensures that multiple viewpoints are considered during the review process, promoting thorough evaluations of potential ethical issues. By integrating perspectives from various backgrounds and areas of expertise, IRBs can better safeguard participants' rights and welfare while enhancing the overall quality of research proposals.
• Evaluate the impact of IRB oversight on the overall integrity of research practices in fields involving human subjects.
  • IRB oversight has a profound impact on the integrity of research practices by enforcing ethical standards and promoting accountability among researchers. By requiring rigorous review processes for studies involving human subjects, IRBs help prevent ethical violations such as exploitation or harm to participants. This oversight not only protects individuals involved in research but also enhances the credibility of findings, ensuring that they are obtained responsibly and ethically. As a result, IRBs play a vital role in fostering a culture of ethical research that benefits society as a whole.

Related terms

Informed Consent: A process by which researchers provide potential participants with information about the study, allowing them to make an informed decision about their involvement.

Research Ethics: The principles and guidelines that govern the conduct of research to ensure integrity, respect for participants, and compliance with legal and professional standards.

Confidentiality: The ethical principle that protects the privacy of research participants by ensuring that their personal information is not disclosed without their consent.