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. The primary goal of an IRB is to protect the rights, welfare, and well-being of research participants by evaluating the potential risks and benefits of the proposed research. This board plays a crucial role in maintaining ethical considerations in scientific practice, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IRBs are required by federal regulations for all institutions that conduct research involving human subjects and receive federal funding.
2. The composition of an IRB typically includes members from various fields, including scientists, ethicists, and community representatives, to ensure diverse perspectives in decision-making.
3. IRBs evaluate research proposals based on criteria such as risk minimization, benefit maximization, and the equitable selection of subjects.
4. An IRB can approve, require modifications, or disapprove research studies based on its ethical review process.
5. Research that is exempt from IRB review usually involves minimal risk and may include certain types of educational research or surveys.

Review Questions

• How does the IRB contribute to ensuring ethical standards in research involving human subjects?
  • The IRB contributes to ethical standards by systematically reviewing research proposals to assess potential risks and benefits associated with the study. It ensures that researchers obtain informed consent from participants, adequately address confidentiality issues, and adhere to established ethical guidelines. By evaluating the proposed methodology and participant selection processes, the IRB helps safeguard the welfare of participants throughout the research process.
• What are some key criteria that an IRB uses when evaluating research proposals, and why are they important?
  • Key criteria include risk assessment, potential benefits, and the equitable selection of participants. These criteria are important because they help ensure that research does not expose participants to unnecessary harm while maximizing potential benefits. Additionally, equitable participant selection addresses issues of fairness and prevents exploitation of vulnerable populations. By using these criteria, the IRB promotes ethical integrity in research.
• Evaluate the implications of non-compliance with IRB regulations for researchers and their institutions.
  • Non-compliance with IRB regulations can have serious implications for researchers, including loss of funding, damage to reputation, and potential legal consequences. Institutions may also face penalties or restrictions on conducting future research. Moreover, failure to adhere to ethical standards can harm participants' welfare and trust in the research community. This underscores the importance of strict adherence to IRB oversight as a fundamental aspect of responsible scientific practice.

Related terms

Informed Consent:

A process through which research participants are fully informed about the study's purpose, risks, and benefits before agreeing to participate.

Ethics Review: The systematic evaluation of research proposals by a committee to ensure adherence to ethical guidelines and standards.

Confidentiality: The ethical principle that requires researchers to protect the privacy of participants and keep their data secure.