Institutional Review Board

Definition

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee established to review and approve research involving human subjects, ensuring that ethical standards are upheld. The IRB's primary purpose is to protect the rights and welfare of participants by evaluating the potential risks and benefits of a study. It serves as a critical gatekeeper for research, particularly in the context of field trials, where participant safety and informed consent are paramount.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IRBs must consist of at least five members with varying backgrounds to provide a comprehensive review of research proposals.
2. The IRB assesses studies for ethical concerns, including the adequacy of informed consent and the balance between risks and benefits for participants.
3. Researchers must submit their study protocols to the IRB before beginning any research involving human subjects, ensuring oversight from the start.
4. Field trials often require rigorous IRB review due to the direct interaction with participants and the need to ensure their safety.
5. Non-compliance with IRB regulations can lead to severe consequences, including suspension of research activities and legal ramifications for researchers.

Review Questions

• How does an Institutional Review Board ensure ethical standards are maintained in research involving human subjects?
  • An Institutional Review Board ensures ethical standards are maintained by reviewing research proposals before studies commence. The board evaluates potential risks and benefits to participants, assesses the adequacy of informed consent processes, and ensures that the rights and welfare of individuals involved in the study are protected. This thorough review process helps safeguard participant well-being and promotes ethical research practices.
• Discuss the implications of not obtaining IRB approval before conducting field trials that involve human subjects.
  • Not obtaining IRB approval before conducting field trials can lead to serious ethical and legal implications. Without IRB oversight, researchers may expose participants to unnecessary risks or fail to obtain proper informed consent, jeopardizing participant safety and welfare. Additionally, researchers could face repercussions from their institutions, including suspension of their ability to conduct research or legal actions, undermining public trust in research practices.
• Evaluate the role of Institutional Review Boards in balancing scientific advancement with ethical considerations in human subjects research.
  • Institutional Review Boards play a crucial role in balancing scientific advancement with ethical considerations by ensuring that research involving human subjects adheres to established ethical standards. While it is essential for research to progress and contribute to knowledge, IRBs prioritize participant safety and rights. They achieve this balance by rigorously evaluating study protocols for potential risks while fostering an environment where researchers can pursue innovative studies responsibly, ultimately supporting both scientific inquiry and ethical integrity.

Related terms

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

Human Subjects Research: Research that involves direct interaction with human beings or uses identifiable private information about individuals.

Ethics Committee: A group that reviews research proposals to ensure that they meet ethical guidelines, similar in function to an IRB but can exist in various forms across different organizations.