What Is an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
An Institutional Review Board, or IRB, is a committee at a university, hospital or research organization that reviews research involving human participants before it begins. Its job is to protect the rights, safety and welfare of the people who take part. In the United States, IRBs are required under federal regulations for most research with human subjects that is funded by the government or conducted at institutions that follow these rules. Other countries have similar bodies called research ethics committees.
What the IRB reviews
IRBs look at the design of a study, including the aims, methods, recruitment, consent procedures, data protection and potential risks and benefits. They consider whether:
- Risks are minimized and reasonable compared with expected benefits.
- Participants give informed consent, with clear information about the study and their right to withdraw.
- Selection is fair, and groups are not exploited.
- Privacy and confidentiality are protected, and data are stored securely.
- Vulnerable groups, such as children, prisoners or people with cognitive impairments, receive extra protections.
Types of review
- Exempt: some low-risk research, such as anonymous surveys of adults on non-sensitive topics, may be exempt from full review, though many institutions still require the IRB to confirm exemption.
- Expedited: minimal-risk studies reviewed by one or a few members.
- Full board: higher-risk studies reviewed at a meeting of the committee.
When students need approval
Undergraduate and graduate students who plan to collect data from people for a thesis, dissertation or publishable project usually must apply. Some course assignments, such as interviewing a classmate for a class exercise, may not require it, but rules vary. Ask your supervisor and check your institution's policy before you begin.
The application process
- Complete required training in research ethics.
- Write the protocol, describing your study.
- Prepare consent forms and materials, such as questionnaires and recruitment notices.
- Submit the application, and answer any questions from reviewers.
- Wait for approval and follow the conditions.
- Report changes and complete a final report when required.
Tips
- Start early, since review can take weeks.
- Write in plain language.
- Describe data protection specifically.
- Get supervisor input.
- Keep approval documents.
Why it matters
Ethics review protects participants and researchers alike. Without approval, you may be unable to use your data or publish your work.
Related terms
See variable, dissertation defense, research assistant, statistical significance and correlation vs causation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need IRB approval for a class project?
It depends on the project and your institution's rules. Many classroom exercises that are not intended to produce generalizable knowledge are exempt, but research involving people usually needs review. Ask your instructor first.
Can I start collecting data before approval?
No. Collecting data from participants before approval can invalidate your results and breach policy. Wait until you have written approval.
What do reviewers look for?
Whether risks are minimized and reasonable, participants give informed consent, selection is fair, privacy and confidentiality are protected and vulnerable groups get extra safeguards.