Research ethics committee (REC)

Definition

A research ethics committee (REC) is a group established to review and oversee research involving human participants, ensuring that ethical standards are met and that the rights and welfare of participants are protected. RECs play a critical role in the research process by assessing proposals for potential risks, benefits, and the adequacy of informed consent, thereby maintaining public trust in research activities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. RECs are essential for protecting human subjects in research and are often mandated by institutions and regulatory bodies.
2. The membership of a REC typically includes a diverse group of individuals, such as scientists, ethicists, legal experts, and community representatives.
3. RECs evaluate research proposals based on criteria like risk-benefit analysis, scientific validity, and compliance with ethical standards.
4. In some regions, researchers are required to obtain approval from an REC before commencing any study involving human participants.
5. The decisions made by RECs can significantly impact the design and conduct of research projects, influencing how studies are structured and executed.

Review Questions

• How do research ethics committees (RECs) ensure the protection of human subjects involved in research?
  • Research ethics committees (RECs) ensure the protection of human subjects by rigorously reviewing research proposals to identify potential risks and benefits associated with participation. They assess whether adequate informed consent procedures are in place and determine if the study complies with established ethical guidelines. By evaluating these elements, RECs help safeguard the rights and welfare of participants while promoting ethical research practices.
• Discuss the role of diversity within a research ethics committee's membership and its importance in the review process.
  • The diversity within a research ethics committee's membership is crucial because it brings together various perspectives, expertise, and experiences to the review process. This diversity enables the committee to address ethical concerns more comprehensively and consider the interests of different populations that may be affected by the research. A varied membership helps ensure that decisions made by the REC are balanced, culturally sensitive, and reflective of the broader community's values.
• Evaluate the impact of effective communication between researchers and research ethics committees on the overall quality of research involving human participants.
  • Effective communication between researchers and research ethics committees significantly enhances the quality of research involving human participants. When researchers clearly articulate their study objectives, methodologies, and ethical considerations, RECs can provide more targeted feedback that improves study design and participant protection. Additionally, open dialogue fosters trust and collaboration, ensuring that ethical concerns are addressed proactively, ultimately leading to more responsible and impactful research outcomes.

Related terms

Informed Consent: The process by which researchers obtain voluntary agreement from participants to partake in research after providing them with adequate information about the study.

Institutional Review Board (IRB):

A type of research ethics committee specifically required by federal regulations in the United States, tasked with reviewing research proposals to ensure compliance with ethical standards.

Ethical Guidelines: A set of principles designed to guide researchers in conducting studies in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of participants.