key term - Institutional Review Boards

Definition

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are committees established to review and monitor research involving human subjects to ensure the protection of their rights, safety, and well-being. These boards play a critical role in the ethical conduct of research by evaluating the risks and benefits of proposed studies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Institutional Review Boards are mandated by federal regulations in the United States to review and approve all research involving human participants.
2. The primary role of an IRB is to ensure that the risks to participants are minimized and are reasonable in relation to the anticipated benefits of the research.
3. IRBs evaluate the ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice in the design and conduct of research studies.
4. IRBs have the authority to approve, require modifications to, or disapprove research proposals based on their assessment of the ethical considerations.
5. Researchers must obtain IRB approval before initiating any research involving human participants, and they must report any changes or adverse events that occur during the study.

Review Questions

• Explain the purpose and function of Institutional Review Boards in the context of experimental design and ethics.
  • Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are responsible for reviewing and approving research proposals involving human participants to ensure the ethical and safe conduct of such studies. In the context of experimental design, IRBs evaluate the scientific merit, research methodology, and potential risks and benefits to participants. From an ethical standpoint, IRBs ensure that the rights, safety, and well-being of research participants are protected, and that the study adheres to principles such as respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. The IRB's approval is a critical step in the research process, as it helps to safeguard the ethical integrity of the study and the participants.
• Describe the key ethical considerations that Institutional Review Boards take into account when evaluating research proposals.
  • When evaluating research proposals, Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) consider several key ethical principles and guidelines. These include respect for persons, which ensures that participants are treated as autonomous individuals and that those with diminished autonomy are protected; beneficence, which requires that the risks to participants are minimized and the potential benefits are maximized; and justice, which ensures that the selection of participants is fair and that the burdens and benefits of the research are equitably distributed. IRBs also carefully assess the informed consent process to ensure that participants fully understand the nature of the study and voluntarily agree to participate. Additionally, IRBs evaluate the privacy and confidentiality protections in place to safeguard participants' personal information.
• Analyze how the role of Institutional Review Boards in the research process helps to uphold ethical principles and maintain the integrity of experimental design.
  • The role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in the research process is crucial for upholding ethical principles and maintaining the integrity of experimental design. By thoroughly reviewing research proposals, IRBs ensure that the rights, safety, and well-being of human participants are protected, and that the study adheres to ethical guidelines. This includes evaluating the scientific merit and methodology of the research, as well as the potential risks and benefits to participants. IRBs also play a key role in safeguarding the informed consent process, ensuring that participants are fully informed and voluntarily agree to take part in the study. Furthermore, IRBs have the authority to approve, require modifications to, or disapprove research proposals based on their assessment of the ethical considerations. This oversight helps to maintain the integrity of the experimental design and prevents unethical practices that could compromise the validity and reliability of the research findings. Overall, the role of IRBs is essential for upholding ethical principles and ensuring the ethical and rigorous conduct of research involving human participants.

Related terms

Research Ethics:

The set of moral principles and guidelines that govern the conduct of research, particularly in relation to the treatment of human participants.

Informed Consent:

The process by which a research participant voluntarily confirms their willingness to participate in a study, after being informed of all the aspects of the research that are relevant to their decision.

Human Subjects Research: Any research activity that involves the collection of data or information from or about living individuals.