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

The primary role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to review research proposals for ethical compliance. This involves ensuring that the rights, welfare, and safety of human participants are protected throughout the research process. The IRB assesses whether the research adheres to ethical standards and regulations, looking at factors such as informed consent, risk and benefit analysis, and the overall treatment of participants involved in the study.

IRBs are composed of members with varying backgrounds to provide a comprehensive evaluation of ethical considerations, including scientists, non-scientists, and community representatives. Their responsibility is critical in maintaining ethical integrity within research practices, ensuring that all research conducted adheres to established ethical guidelines and regulations set forth by institutions and governing bodies.

Other options provided, such as overseeing funding, the publication process, or conducting research themselves, do not accurately reflect the primary duties of an IRB. Their main focus is specifically on the ethical dimensions of research involving human subjects, making the role of an IRB integral to the legitimacy of psychological and other social science research.