Why is IRB approval required before conducting research on human subjects?

• A. To accelerate the study
• B. To ensure ethical standards and participant protection
• C. To minimize costs
• D. To maximize data collection

Answer: (B)

IRB approval is required to protect people who participate in research and to ensure studies meet ethical standards. The board reviews the study design to minimize risks and balance them against potential benefits, ensures that informed consent is clear and voluntary, and safeguards participants’ privacy and data confidentiality. It also checks that participant selection is fair and not biased or coercive, and that there is ongoing oversight to monitor safety. These protections are the primary purpose of the IRB, focusing on the rights and welfare of subjects rather than speeding the study, cutting costs, or simply increasing data.