Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Definition

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee established to review and approve research involving human subjects to ensure ethical standards are met. Its primary role is to protect the rights, welfare, and privacy of participants in research studies, particularly in sensitive areas such as sexuality research, where ethical considerations are paramount due to the potential for emotional and psychological impact on participants.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IRBs are mandated by federal regulations in the United States for institutions that conduct research involving human subjects, ensuring compliance with ethical standards.
2. Members of an IRB typically include researchers, ethicists, legal experts, and community representatives who bring diverse perspectives to the review process.
3. An IRB's responsibilities include assessing research proposals for risks to participants, ensuring informed consent processes are adequate, and monitoring ongoing research for ethical compliance.
4. Approval from an IRB is often a prerequisite for securing funding or publishing research findings, making it a critical step in the research process.
5. The involvement of an IRB helps to foster trust between researchers and participants, promoting ethical practices that safeguard participants' rights and well-being.

Review Questions

• How does an Institutional Review Board (IRB) ensure that ethical standards are upheld in research involving human subjects?
  • An Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews research proposals to evaluate the potential risks and benefits associated with the study. It assesses whether participants are fully informed about the study through the informed consent process and ensures that measures are in place to protect their confidentiality. By requiring modifications or rejecting studies that do not meet ethical guidelines, the IRB plays a crucial role in safeguarding the welfare of participants in research.
• Discuss the implications of not obtaining IRB approval before conducting research on sensitive topics such as human sexuality.
  • Failing to obtain IRB approval can lead to serious ethical violations, including the risk of harm to participants and breaches of confidentiality. Without this oversight, researchers may unintentionally expose participants to psychological distress or stigmatization, especially in studies concerning sexuality. Furthermore, research without IRB approval may be deemed unethical by the academic community, resulting in loss of credibility for researchers and potential legal repercussions.
• Evaluate how IRBs contribute to shaping ethical standards in human sexuality research, particularly regarding participant rights and societal norms.
  • IRBs play a vital role in shaping ethical standards in human sexuality research by closely examining how studies address sensitive issues related to participant rights, such as informed consent and confidentiality. By setting rigorous ethical guidelines, IRBs encourage researchers to consider the broader societal implications of their work, fostering a more respectful and responsible approach toward diverse sexual identities and experiences. This process not only protects individuals involved but also contributes to a more ethically aware scientific community that prioritizes the well-being of participants amidst evolving societal norms.

Related terms

Informed Consent:

A process by which researchers provide potential participants with comprehensive information about a study, enabling them to make an informed decision about their participation.

Human Subjects Research: Research that involves interaction or intervention with living individuals or data from identifiable private information, requiring special ethical considerations.

Confidentiality:

The ethical principle of keeping participants' information private and secure, ensuring that any identifying details are protected during and after the research process.