Why is IRB approval typically required for human subjects research?

Why is IRB approval typically required for human subjects research?

• A. To protect researchers from liability.
• B. To protect participants and ensure ethical conduct.
• C. To guarantee funding for the study.
• D. To expedite the research timeline.

Answer: (C)

IRB approval is required to protect participants and ensure ethical conduct in research involving humans. The IRB reviews proposed studies to balance risks and benefits, ensures informed consent is obtained and understood, protects privacy and confidentiality, and checks that participant selection is fair and not coercive. It also monitors ongoing safety and rights of participants throughout the study. While funding decisions, liability concerns, or efforts to speed up timelines may be influenced by research review, the central purpose of IRB oversight is to safeguard people and uphold ethical standards in research.

IRB approval is required to protect participants and ensure ethical conduct in research involving humans. The IRB reviews proposed studies to balance risks and benefits, ensures informed consent is obtained and understood, protects privacy and confidentiality, and checks that participant selection is fair and not coercive. It also monitors ongoing safety and rights of participants throughout the study. While funding decisions, liability concerns, or efforts to speed up timelines may be influenced by research review, the central purpose of IRB oversight is to safeguard people and uphold ethical standards in research.