What is the primary role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in research?

The primary role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to review and approve research studies for ethical standards. The IRB's main function is to safeguard the rights and welfare of human research participants. This involves evaluating research proposals to ensure that they comply with ethical guidelines and regulations, assessing risks and benefits, and ensuring informed consent processes are adequately planned to protect participants.

The IRB is critical in maintaining ethical integrity in research, which fosters trust and safety for participants involved in various studies. By fulfilling this role, the IRB helps researchers navigate ethical concerns and adhere to established ethical codes, such as those outlined by the APA and federal regulations. This ensures that research is conducted responsibly and that the dignity and rights of subjects are respected throughout the research process.