What is an essential element of a robust ethical review process?

Involvement of peer reviewers and ethics boards is critical to a robust ethical review process because it ensures a comprehensive evaluation of research proposals. Peer reviewers bring diverse perspectives and expertise, which can help identify potential ethical issues and enhance the overall quality of the research. Ethics boards, often composed of members with varied backgrounds, provide oversight and accountability, ensuring that the rights and welfare of participants are a priority. This collaborative approach promotes ethical standards, safeguards participant well-being, and enhances trust in the research process.

The other choices do not contribute positively to an ethical review. Ignoring participant feedback would likely overlook important concerns regarding informed consent and participant welfare. Fast-tracking all research proposals can lead to insufficient scrutiny of ethical considerations, potentially allowing unethical research practices. Limiting the review to funding sources can create a conflict of interest, where financial considerations might overshadow ethical obligations to participants and the integrity of the research.