Ethical review board

Definition

An ethical review board is a committee established to review and monitor research proposals involving human participants, ensuring that ethical standards are upheld throughout the research process. This board evaluates aspects such as informed consent, privacy protection, and the potential risks and benefits to participants, aiming to safeguard the rights and welfare of individuals involved in research activities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethical review boards are often required by institutions and funding agencies before research can commence, ensuring compliance with ethical standards.
2. Members of an ethical review board typically include researchers, ethicists, legal experts, and community representatives to provide diverse perspectives on ethical issues.
3. The main functions of an ethical review board include assessing the risk-benefit ratio of research proposals and ensuring that appropriate measures are in place for participant safety.
4. Ethical review boards play a critical role in maintaining public trust in research by promoting transparency and accountability in the treatment of human subjects.
5. Failing to secure approval from an ethical review board can result in serious consequences for researchers, including legal action and loss of funding or institutional support.

Review Questions

• How does an ethical review board contribute to the protection of human participants in research studies?
  • An ethical review board contributes significantly to the protection of human participants by thoroughly evaluating research proposals to ensure that ethical standards are met. They assess the informed consent process, examine how privacy will be protected, and weigh the potential risks against benefits for participants. This oversight helps ensure that individuals are treated respectfully and their rights are safeguarded throughout the research.
• What specific aspects does an ethical review board evaluate during the review process of a research proposal?
  • During the review process, an ethical review board evaluates several key aspects of a research proposal. This includes scrutinizing how informed consent will be obtained from participants, assessing privacy protection measures to maintain confidentiality, and analyzing the overall risk-benefit ratio to determine whether the potential benefits justify any risks involved. The board's comprehensive evaluation is crucial for maintaining ethical standards in research.
• Evaluate the implications of not having an ethical review board in place for research involving vulnerable populations.
  • Not having an ethical review board in place can have severe implications for research involving vulnerable populations. Without this oversight, there is a heightened risk of exploitation and harm to individuals who may not be able to fully protect their interests due to factors like diminished autonomy or social vulnerability. This lack of accountability can lead to unethical practices, compromised data integrity, and ultimately harm to the reputation of the research community. Ensuring that an ethical review board is present safeguards against these risks and promotes responsible conduct in research involving sensitive groups.

Related terms

Informed Consent:

The process through which researchers provide potential participants with information about the study, allowing them to make an educated decision about their involvement.

Privacy Protection: Measures taken to safeguard participants' personal information and confidentiality during research studies.

Research Ethics: The principles guiding researchers to conduct studies responsibly and ethically, focusing on respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.