Which statement best describes the role of an IRB:
A A committee that reviews an institution’s conflict of interest policies
B A committee that reviews different types of human subjects research
C A committee that reviews all biomedical research
D A committee that reviews all types of research
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
B: A committee that reviews different types of human subjects research.
Explanation:
An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee that is primarily responsible for reviewing and overseeing research involving human subjects to ensure that the rights and welfare of the participants are protected. The IRB’s primary role is to assess the ethical, scientific, and legal aspects of a research proposal involving human subjects. It ensures that researchers comply with ethical principles, such as respect for persons, beneficence, and justice, as outlined in documents like the Belmont Report.
- Review of Human Subjects Research: The IRB’s main function is to review studies that involve human participants, making sure that these studies meet ethical standards. This includes evaluating whether the potential benefits of the research outweigh the risks, ensuring informed consent procedures are in place, and protecting participant privacy and confidentiality.
- Types of Research Reviewed by an IRB: The IRB reviews a variety of research types, including clinical trials, observational studies, surveys, and any other research that involves human beings as subjects. The board ensures that the research complies with regulatory requirements such as the Common Rule, which outlines specific protections for human participants.
- Purpose of the IRB: The purpose of the IRB is to protect participants from physical, emotional, or psychological harm. This includes reviewing the risk level of the research, ensuring the study has a valid scientific purpose, and verifying that the informed consent process is appropriate for the participants.
- IRB and Biomedical Research: While the IRB does review biomedical research that involves human subjects (like clinical trials), it is not limited to biomedical studies. It reviews a wide range of research involving humans, including social, behavioral, and educational research.
In summary, the IRB’s role is specific to reviewing research involving human subjects, ensuring the safety, rights, and well-being of those participants throughout the research process. Therefore, option B is the most accurate statement.