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 maintained. The IRB's main purpose is to protect the rights and welfare of participants by reviewing research protocols, informed consent forms, and overall study design for potential risks and ethical concerns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IRBs are required by federal law in the United States to oversee all research involving human subjects funded by government agencies.
2. Members of an IRB typically include a diverse group of individuals, including scientists, ethicists, and community representatives, to provide a well-rounded perspective on the research being reviewed.
3. The IRB evaluates potential risks to participants versus the anticipated benefits of the research, ensuring that the study is ethically sound before granting approval.
4. Studies involving vulnerable populations, such as children or prisoners, require additional scrutiny from IRBs to protect these groups from exploitation or harm.
5. Researchers must submit detailed proposals to the IRB for approval before starting their studies, and they may need to provide updates on the study's progress or any changes to the original protocol.

Review Questions

• How does an Institutional Review Board contribute to the ethical conduct of research involving human subjects?
  • An Institutional Review Board plays a critical role in ensuring ethical conduct by thoroughly reviewing research proposals to identify any potential risks to participants. By evaluating informed consent processes and monitoring ongoing studies, the IRB safeguards participant rights and welfare. This oversight helps to maintain public trust in research and ensures that ethical standards are consistently applied across studies.
• What are some key responsibilities of an IRB when reviewing research proposals?
  • An IRB has several key responsibilities when reviewing research proposals, including assessing the potential risks and benefits of the study, evaluating the adequacy of informed consent procedures, and ensuring that vulnerable populations are adequately protected. Additionally, IRBs monitor compliance with ethical guidelines throughout the research process and have the authority to require modifications or deny approval if ethical concerns arise. These responsibilities are essential in maintaining ethical integrity in research.
• Evaluate the impact of Institutional Review Boards on the progression of social psychological research while balancing participant protection and scientific advancement.
  • Institutional Review Boards significantly impact social psychological research by enforcing rigorous ethical standards that prioritize participant safety and well-being. While this protective role is vital for maintaining ethical integrity, it can also create challenges for researchers seeking to explore sensitive topics or innovative methodologies. Striking a balance between safeguarding participant rights and advancing scientific knowledge requires ongoing dialogue within the academic community about best practices for ethical research design. Ultimately, effective IRB oversight can enhance the credibility and societal relevance of social psychological research while fostering public confidence in scientific inquiry.

Related terms

Informed Consent:

A process by which researchers provide potential participants with information about a study, ensuring they understand the nature of their participation and can voluntarily agree to take part.

Ethical Guidelines: A set of principles that govern the conduct of research involving human subjects, ensuring respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.

Human Subjects Research: Research that involves collecting data from or about individuals, which raises ethical considerations regarding their treatment and rights.