What is the IRB and what is its function?

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) plays a crucial role in the ethical oversight of research involving human participants. Its primary function is to review research proposals to ensure they adhere to ethical standards that protect participants' rights, welfare, and privacy. This includes assessing the risk and benefits of the research, ensuring informed consent is properly administered, and safeguarding vulnerable populations.

Historically, the need for such oversight arose from past research abuses, highlighting the importance of ethical considerations in social research. By requiring approval from an IRB, researchers demonstrate their commitment to conducting studies responsibly and ethically. This function is vital for maintaining public trust in the research process and ensuring that the rights of participants are respected and protected throughout the study.

In contrast, other options suggest functions that do not align with the IRB's purpose—such as funding research projects, assessing participant outcomes, or standardizing research methods globally—which fall outside the scope of what an IRB is designed to do.