The key purpose of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to
A) determine whether a proposed study is ethical.
B) identify the most appropriate statistical analyses for a study.
C) punish unethical researchers.
D) evaluate whether a researcher's conclusions match the data.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primary purpose of an IRB is to review and approve research proposals to ensure that they are conducted in an ethical manner and that the rights and welfare of the participants are protected. This includes assessing the potential risks and benefits of the study, ensuring informed consent is obtained, and maintaining confidentiality. The IRB does not have authority to punish researchers or evaluate their conclusions, nor is it responsible for identifying statistical analyses.

The Key Purpose of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) Is