Which of the following is a role of the IRB in research oversight?

The role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) primarily involves the ethical oversight of research involving human participants. This includes reviewing research proposals to ensure that the rights, welfare, and well-being of participants are adequately protected. The IRB assesses factors such as informed consent, potential risks and benefits, and the overall ethical implications of the proposed research.

This responsibility is crucial because it helps to safeguard participants from unethical practices and ensures that the research adheres to established ethical standards and regulations. The focus of the IRB is not on developing research methodologies, assessing profitability, or coordinating funding applications, but rather on ensuring that ethical considerations are central to all research conducted with human subjects. The review process conducted by the IRB is fundamental in maintaining public trust in research practices.