Discuss the need for institutional review boards (IRBs). How can they potentially affect or impact a study? Give 3 examples.
Discussion posts must be a minimum of 350 words, references must be cited in APA format 7th Edition, and must include a minimum of 2 scholarly resources published within the past 5 years.
The Need for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and Their Impact on Research
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are essential in research involving human subjects as they ensure ethical standards are maintained to protect participants from harm. The IRB’s primary role is to review research proposals to ensure they align with ethical principles outlined in the Belmont Report—respect for persons, beneficence, and justice (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services [HHS], 2018). Without IRBs, research studies could pose significant risks to participants, potentially leading to unethical practices, exploitation, or harm.
How IRBs Impact a Study
IRBs influence studies in several ways, including study design modifications, participant protections, and ethical compliance:
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Ensuring Ethical Research Design
IRBs assess research protocols to verify that risks to participants are minimized and justified by potential benefits. They ensure studies use appropriate methodologies, informed consent processes, and data protection measures (Creswell & Creswell, 2023). For example, a study examining a new psychotropic medication must have clear safety protocols, such as monitoring for adverse effects, to ensure participants’ well-being. -
Protecting Vulnerable Populations
Research involving vulnerable populations—such as children, pregnant women, prisoners, or individuals with cognitive impairments—requires additional safeguards (National Institutes of Health [NIH], 2022). For instance, a study examining the mental health of incarcerated individuals would need extra protections, such as ensuring participation is voluntary and without coercion. -
Ensuring Data Confidentiality and Participant Privacy
IRBs require studies to outline how participant data will be protected to prevent breaches of confidentiality. In clinical research involving electronic health records, IRBs mandate compliance with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) (HHS, 2020). For example, a study on depression treatment outcomes using patient data must de-identify information to ensure privacy and prevent stigmatization.
Overall, IRBs serve a crucial function in balancing the pursuit of scientific knowledge with the ethical responsibility to protect human participants. By enforcing ethical guidelines, IRBs strengthen research credibility and public trust in scientific studies.
References
- Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2023). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (6th ed.). Sage Publications.
- National Institutes of Health. (2022). Guidelines for the protection of human subjects in research. https://www.nih.gov/
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2018). The Belmont Report: Ethical principles and guidelines for the protection of human subjects of research. https://www.hhs.gov/
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2020). Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance and research. https://www.hhs.gov/