What is the significance of "ethical review" in research?

The significance of "ethical review" in research lies primarily in its role in evaluating the ethical implications of a proposed research study. Ethical review ensures that research is conducted in a manner that respects the rights, dignity, and welfare of participants. This process involves assessing potential risks to participants, ensuring informed consent, and evaluating the overall design of the study to ensure it adheres to ethical standards and guidelines.

Involving ethical review helps to promote trust in the research process, protect vulnerable populations, and maintain the integrity of scientific inquiry. This kind of review addresses the moral responsibilities researchers have towards their subjects and ensures that the research is designed and conducted in a way that prioritizes their well-being.

Other aspects of the research process, such as statistical analysis or funding eligibility, do not directly address the ethical dimensions of the study, and marketing strategies, which are more focused on promoting the findings rather than ensuring ethical conduct in the research itself, are also outside the scope of ethical review.