What does an Institutional Review Board (IRB) primarily monitor?

The primary focus of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to ensure compliance with ethical standards in research involving human subjects. This involves reviewing research proposals to protect the rights and welfare of participants. The IRB assesses risks and potential benefits, ensures informed consent processes are properly established, and verifies that the research adheres to ethical guidelines.

In the context of human subject research, ethical considerations are paramount because they directly affect participant safety and the integrity of the research process. The IRB plays a critical role in safeguarding participants' personal information and ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect throughout the research. This explanation highlights the crucial function of the IRB in maintaining ethical standards, which is foundational to conducting responsible and credible research involving human participants.