What does the Institutional Review Board (IRB) oversee?

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) plays a critical role in overseeing the ethical aspects of research involving human subjects. Its primary function is to ensure that the rights, welfare, and privacy of participants are protected throughout the research process. This includes reviewing research proposals to ensure that informed consent is obtained from all participants, which means that they are fully aware of the nature of the study, any potential risks involved, and their right to withdraw at any time without penalty.

The IRB's oversight is essential in maintaining ethical standards within research, promoting participant safety, and ensuring that researchers adhere to established guidelines and regulations. The focus on consent in experiments is fundamental because it empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their participation, reflecting respect for their autonomy and personal agency.

In contrast, other aspects like funding sources, marketing strategies, and post-campaign evaluations do not fall under the direct purview of the IRB, as these elements are not primarily concerned with the protection and ethical treatment of human subjects in research settings.