What is the role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

The role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to oversee the ethical conduct of research involving human subjects. This responsibility is crucial in ensuring that the rights, welfare, and well-being of participants are protected. The IRB evaluates research proposals to determine whether appropriate ethical standards are maintained and whether the risks to participants are minimized and justified by the potential benefits of the research.

By assessing factors such as informed consent, confidentiality, and risk assessments, the IRB plays a vital role in safeguarding participant interests and ensuring compliance with federal regulations and ethical norms. This board comprises individuals with diverse expertise, including scientists, ethicists, and community representatives, which helps in making informed decisions related to various research projects.

In contrast, the other choices represent functions that are outside the scope of an IRB's responsibilities. For example, funding research projects or analyzing statistical data falls under the purview of grant agencies or research teams, while marketing findings is typically handled by researchers or institutions aiming to disseminate information. The primary function of the IRB is specifically aimed at ethical oversight rather than research funding, data analysis, or marketing.