IRB and Research Ethics
IRB, or Institutional Review Board, is a committee responsible for reviewing and approving research involving human participants to ensure ethical standards are upheld. Research ethics refers to the principles guiding researchers to conduct studies with integrity, respect, and responsibility, safeguarding participants’ rights, privacy, and well-being. Together, the IRB and research ethics promote transparency, minimize harm, and ensure that research is conducted in a fair and ethical manner.
IRB and Research Ethics
IRB, or Institutional Review Board, is a committee responsible for reviewing and approving research involving human participants to ensure ethical standards are upheld. Research ethics refers to the principles guiding researchers to conduct studies with integrity, respect, and responsibility, safeguarding participants’ rights, privacy, and well-being. Together, the IRB and research ethics promote transparency, minimize harm, and ensure that research is conducted in a fair and ethical manner.
💡 Key Takeaways
- Understand what the IRB does to protect people in research.
- Grasp core ethics principles: respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.
- Learn about informed consent and why voluntary participation matters.
- Recognize how researchers protect privacy, confidentiality, and handle data securely.
- Know when and how IRB review applies to student projects and the basic steps to obtain approval.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IRB and what does it do?
The IRB (Institutional Review Board) is a university/organization committee that reviews research involving people to protect their rights and welfare. It assesses risks, benefits, and informed consent before a study begins.
What are the core ethics principles guiding research with human participants?
Based on the Belmont Report: Respect for persons (autonomy and informed consent), Beneficence (minimize risks, maximize benefits), and Justice (fair subject selection), along with privacy and confidentiality.
When is IRB review required for student research?
IRB review is usually required for any study involving living participants and collection of identifiable data or interaction. Some low-risk activities may qualify for exemption or expedited review, but an IRB determination is typically needed.
What is informed consent and why is it important?
Informed consent is the process of informing participants about the study's purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and their rights, and obtaining voluntary agreement to participate. It protects autonomy and privacy.
What can happen if research is conducted without IRB approval?
Possible consequences include ethical violations, harm to participants, inability to publish or present findings, and institutional sanctions. Retroactive approval is not guaranteed.