What role does an Institutional Review Board (IRB) play in research involving human subjects?

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is primarily responsible for reviewing research proposals to ensure that ethical standards are met when research involves human subjects. The IRB’s main mission is to protect the rights and welfare of participants by assessing the potential risks and benefits of a study.

When a research project is submitted to an IRB, the board evaluates various aspects of the proposal, such as informed consent procedures, the potential for harm to participants, recruitment methods, and the overall ethical considerations tied to the research's objectives. This review process helps to ensure that the study complies with federal regulations and ethical guidelines, thus safeguarding the dignity and rights of the individuals participating in the research.

In contrast to the correct answer, the other choices reflect different roles or misconceptions about what an IRB does. For example, while funding research projects and conducting research might involve other institutions or organizations, they are not within the purview of the IRB’s responsibilities. Similarly, while training researchers on compliance is important, that function is typically handled by institutional training programs rather than the IRB itself. Thus, option A accurately captures the primary responsibility of the IRB in the context of research involving human participants.