Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Definition

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee established to review and approve research involving human subjects, ensuring that ethical standards are upheld throughout the research process. The IRB assesses research proposals to protect the rights, welfare, and privacy of participants while balancing the potential benefits of the research against any risks involved. This oversight is crucial in promoting ethical practices in research, especially in ethnographic studies where interaction with communities is involved.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The IRB's primary role is to evaluate research proposals to ensure compliance with ethical standards and federal regulations concerning human subjects.
2. IRBs typically consist of a diverse group of members, including scientists, ethicists, and community representatives, to provide a balanced perspective on research proposals.
3. Approval from an IRB is often mandatory for researchers seeking funding from government agencies or institutions, emphasizing the importance of ethical oversight.
4. Research involving vulnerable populations requires additional scrutiny from IRBs to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard their rights and welfare.
5. If a study poses significant risks or ethical concerns, the IRB has the authority to reject the proposal or require modifications before approval.

Review Questions

• How does the IRB influence the ethical conduct of ethnographic research involving human subjects?
  • The IRB plays a critical role in ensuring that ethnographic research is conducted ethically by reviewing proposals for potential risks and ensuring that participant rights are protected. By evaluating factors such as informed consent and the impact of research on communities, the IRB helps researchers navigate complex ethical dilemmas. This oversight promotes trust between researchers and communities while safeguarding the welfare of individuals involved in the study.
• Discuss the significance of informed consent in relation to the IRB's review process.
  • Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical research practices and is central to the IRB's review process. The IRB assesses whether researchers provide clear and comprehensive information about their studies, allowing participants to make informed decisions about their involvement. A robust informed consent process not only respects participant autonomy but also aligns with ethical guidelines that the IRB enforces, thereby enhancing the integrity of the research.
• Evaluate the impact of IRB requirements on the quality and scope of ethnographic research studies.
  • IRB requirements can significantly shape the quality and scope of ethnographic research by enforcing rigorous ethical standards that researchers must adhere to. While this oversight can enhance participant protection and foster trust within communities, it may also limit some aspects of research design or data collection methods due to concerns about risks. However, this balance ensures that ethnographic studies are conducted responsibly, ultimately contributing to more credible and ethically sound findings that respect human rights.

Related terms

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

Ethical Guidelines: A set of principles designed to guide researchers in conducting ethical research, ensuring that the rights and welfare of participants are prioritized.

Human Subjects Research: Research that involves interaction or intervention with living individuals, requiring careful consideration of ethical implications and protections for participants.