Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Definition

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee established to review and approve research involving human subjects, ensuring that their rights and welfare are protected. The IRB plays a critical role in overseeing research ethics, evaluating study protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards to minimize potential risks to participants.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IRBs must consist of at least five members with diverse backgrounds to ensure a comprehensive review of research proposals from multiple perspectives.
2. One of the primary functions of an IRB is to assess whether risks to participants are minimized and are reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits.
3. IRBs have the authority to approve, require modifications to, or disapprove research proposals based on ethical considerations.
4. Federal regulations require IRBs to meet regularly and maintain records of their meetings and decisions for accountability and transparency.
5. Researchers are required to submit their protocols to the IRB before beginning any study involving human subjects, emphasizing the importance of ethical oversight from the outset.

Review Questions

• How does the Institutional Review Board (IRB) contribute to protecting human subjects in research?
  • The Institutional Review Board (IRB) contributes to protecting human subjects by reviewing research proposals to ensure that they adhere to ethical standards. The IRB evaluates the risks and benefits associated with a study, ensuring that participant rights are safeguarded through informed consent processes. By conducting thorough reviews, the IRB acts as a crucial checkpoint that helps prevent unethical practices in research involving human participants.
• Discuss the key responsibilities of an IRB in relation to research ethics and compliance.
  • An IRB is responsible for reviewing research proposals for ethical considerations, including assessing risks to participants and ensuring that informed consent is obtained. They must ensure compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies regarding human subjects research. Additionally, the IRB monitors ongoing studies, approving amendments or ensuring that any adverse events are reported appropriately, thus playing a vital role in maintaining ethical standards throughout the research process.
• Evaluate the impact of IRB processes on the quality and integrity of research involving human subjects.
  • The IRB processes significantly enhance the quality and integrity of research involving human subjects by enforcing ethical standards and promoting transparency. By requiring rigorous reviews of research protocols, IRBs help researchers identify potential ethical issues early on, which can lead to improved study designs that prioritize participant welfare. This oversight fosters public trust in research practices, ensuring that studies are conducted responsibly and ethically, ultimately contributing to more credible and reliable scientific findings.

Related terms

Informed Consent:

A process by which researchers provide potential participants with information about a study, allowing them to make an informed decision about their participation.

Research Ethics: The principles and guidelines that govern the conduct of research, ensuring the integrity of the research process and the welfare of participants.

Human Subjects Research: Research that involves collecting data from or about living individuals, often requiring ethical oversight to protect the rights and welfare of those involved.