Which of the following are the three principles discussed in the Belmont Report?
Which of the following is an example of how the Principle of Beneficence can be applied to a study employing human subjects?
All of the following are true regarding the Belmont Report, EXCEPT: The Belmont Report defines and delineates the differences between “Practice” and “Research”
A student working on his dissertation plans on interviewing 15 principals in neighboring high schools. The student plans to collect data about the personal experiences the principals have had with disruptive students. This study would be categorized as which type of review?
Which of the following studies need IRB approval?
Which of the following elements must be included in an informed consent?
What is the Institutional Review Board (IRB) charged with?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Here are the correct answers and a 300-word explanation focused on the last question: “What is the Institutional Review Board (IRB) charged with?”
✅ Correct Answer:
Protecting the rights and welfare of human research subjects.
🔍 Explanation (300 words):
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a vital component in the ethical conduct of research involving human subjects. Its central responsibility is to protect the rights, safety, and welfare of individuals who participate in research studies. The IRB serves as an independent committee, often composed of scientists, non-scientists, and community members, ensuring that research proposals meet ethical standards and comply with federal regulations (e.g., 45 CFR 46 in the U.S.).
The IRB is charged with reviewing, approving, and monitoring research to ensure that risks to participants are minimized, that participation is voluntary, and that individuals are adequately informed through a clear and thorough informed consent process. This includes assessing whether the research design is sound and whether potential benefits justify the risks involved. The IRB also evaluates privacy protections, confidentiality of data, and equitable selection of subjects.
This review process is rooted in the ethical principles established by the Belmont Report: Respect for Persons, Beneficence, and Justice. The IRB enforces these principles by ensuring that:
- Respect for Persons is upheld through informed consent and respect for autonomy.
- Beneficence is maintained by minimizing harm and maximizing possible benefits.
- Justice ensures fair distribution of research burdens and benefits.
Research studies must receive IRB approval before beginning. This applies to any institution receiving federal funding for research and to any study involving intervention or interaction with human participants or the collection of identifiable private information.
By maintaining ethical oversight, the IRB plays a critical role in fostering public trust in research and protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation or harm.
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