What is the IRB's primary role in protecting human subjects?

What is the IRB's primary role in protecting human subjects?

• A. The IRB protects the rights and welfare of human subjects by reviewing research protocols.
• B. The IRB writes grant proposals for researchers.
• C. The IRB conducts the experiments.
• D. The IRB funds the research.

Answer: (A)

The IRB’s role is to safeguard the rights and welfare of people who participate in research by reviewing research protocols before a study involving humans begins. They examine the plan to ensure risks are minimized and reasonable relative to potential benefits, that informed consent will be obtained and clearly explained, and that privacy and confidentiality protections are in place. They also look at fair subject selection and protections for vulnerable populations, and provide ongoing oversight through continuing reviews. The other options describe tasks that aren’t the IRB’s job: grant proposal writing, conducting experiments, or funding decisions are handled by researchers, sponsors, or grant offices, not the IRB.

The IRB’s role is to safeguard the rights and welfare of people who participate in research by reviewing research protocols before a study involving humans begins. They examine the plan to ensure risks are minimized and reasonable relative to potential benefits, that informed consent will be obtained and clearly explained, and that privacy and confidentiality protections are in place. They also look at fair subject selection and protections for vulnerable populations, and provide ongoing oversight through continuing reviews. The other options describe tasks that aren’t the IRB’s job: grant proposal writing, conducting experiments, or funding decisions are handled by researchers, sponsors, or grant offices, not the IRB.