Research ethics boards

Definition

Research ethics boards (REBs) are committees established to review and oversee research involving human participants, ensuring that ethical standards are upheld throughout the research process. These boards play a crucial role in protecting the rights and welfare of participants, promoting integrity in research, and ensuring compliance with legal and institutional guidelines.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Research ethics boards evaluate studies to assess potential risks and benefits, ensuring that the safety of participants is prioritized.
2. REB reviews are mandatory for any research involving human subjects conducted at institutions receiving federal funding in many countries.
3. The composition of REBs typically includes individuals with diverse expertise, such as researchers, ethicists, and community representatives to provide a well-rounded perspective on ethical issues.
4. REB approval is necessary before researchers can begin their studies; without it, research cannot ethically proceed.
5. REBs also monitor ongoing research to ensure compliance with ethical standards throughout the duration of the study.

Review Questions

• How do research ethics boards contribute to the ethical conduct of research involving human participants?
  • Research ethics boards contribute to ethical conduct by reviewing proposed studies to ensure that they meet established ethical guidelines. They assess potential risks to participants and evaluate whether the benefits of the research justify those risks. By ensuring informed consent and protecting participant confidentiality, REBs help maintain the integrity of the research process and safeguard participants' rights.
• Discuss the importance of informed consent in relation to the responsibilities of research ethics boards.
  • Informed consent is a fundamental responsibility of research ethics boards, as it ensures that participants understand the nature of the study, including any risks involved. REBs require that researchers provide clear information about what participation entails so that individuals can make voluntary choices without coercion. This process is critical for maintaining trust between researchers and participants and aligns with ethical principles that prioritize autonomy and respect for persons.
• Evaluate the challenges faced by research ethics boards when reviewing studies involving vulnerable populations, and propose potential solutions.
  • Research ethics boards face significant challenges when reviewing studies involving vulnerable populations due to concerns about exploitation or coercion. These groups often require additional protections to ensure their participation is truly voluntary. Potential solutions include developing specific guidelines tailored for vulnerable populations, enhancing community engagement during the study design phase, and providing additional training for researchers on the unique needs and rights of these individuals. By implementing these strategies, REBs can better safeguard the welfare of vulnerable participants while still allowing valuable research to proceed.

Related terms

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

Confidentiality: The ethical principle of keeping participant information private and secure, ensuring that personal data is not disclosed without consent.

Vulnerable Populations: Groups that may be at a higher risk of coercion or undue influence in research settings, including children, prisoners, and individuals with cognitive impairments.