What role does the IRB play in monitoring ongoing research?

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) plays a critical role in the oversight of ongoing research to ensure that it adheres to ethical standards and protects the rights and welfare of participants. One of the primary functions of the IRB is conducting periodic reviews and audits of research studies. This ongoing monitoring allows the IRB to assess compliance with the approved protocols, evaluate any changes in the research or its environment that may affect participant safety, and ensure that any risks are mitigated.

Through these reviews, the IRB can identify potential ethical concerns early on and ensure that informed consent is being appropriately managed. This process not only protects participants but also maintains the integrity of the research. It is essential for the IRB to regularly engage in this review process because research environments and protocols can evolve over time, necessitating that regulatory compliance is continually upheld.

In contrast, the other choices do not reflect the primary responsibilities of the IRB. Determining financial allocations involves budgeting and resource management typically handled by funding bodies or research institutions rather than the IRB. The IRB does not intervene in all research staff decisions as their role is to oversee compliance with ethical standards rather than direct involvement in the management of research operations. Likewise, developing marketing strategies for research outcomes is outside the scope