Ethical Review Boards (ERBs) - 11.4.5 | Unit 11: Research Methodologies in Social Sciences | IB Board Grade 12 – Individuals and Societies
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Interactive Audio Lesson

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Role of Ethical Review Boards

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we're discussing Ethical Review Boards, or ERBs. Can anyone tell me what they think their purpose might be?

Student 1
Student 1

I think they make sure researchers don't do anything unethical.

Teacher
Teacher

That's right! ERBs help protect the rights and welfare of research participants. What are some ways they do this?

Student 2
Student 2

They probably check for informed consent and confidentiality.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! They ensure that participants give informed consent, and their information remains confidential. Remember the acronym 'C.A.I.H'—Confidentiality, Avoidance of harm, Integrity, and Honesty, which are crucial aspects they review.

Student 3
Student 3

What happens if the research doesn't pass the ERB?

Teacher
Teacher

Good question! If a research proposal doesn't meet ethical standards, it won't be approved. Consequently, researchers must make amendments or abandon the study if serious concerns arise.

Teacher
Teacher

To summarize, ERBs play a critical role in protecting participants through informed consent and ensuring research integrity.

Processes of ERBs

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s discuss how ERBs process research proposals. What do you think is the first step?

Student 4
Student 4

I guess researchers submit their proposal to the ERB.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! They submit a detailed proposal outlining the study's aims, methodology, and how they will protect participants. Then, what do you think ERBs look for in that proposal?

Student 1
Student 1

They probably assess risks and how the researchers will minimize them.

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! ERBs scrutinize the potential risks of research and the measures to minimize them. If approved, researchers must continuously monitor these aspects throughout the study.

Student 2
Student 2

If a study runs longer, does it need to get re-approved?

Teacher
Teacher

Great point! Any significant changes in the study also require re-evaluation by the ERB to ensure ongoing compliance with ethical standards.

Teacher
Teacher

To recap, ERBs assess proposals by focusing on risks, participant protection, and ongoing study compliance.

Importance of ERBs in Research

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Teacher
Teacher

So, why are ERBs indispensable in social science research? What do you think?

Student 3
Student 3

They ensure our research doesn't harm participants.

Teacher
Teacher

That's a critical aspect! They ensure ethical compliance. Additionally, what do you think could happen if research is conducted without ERB approval?

Student 4
Student 4

It might lead to ethical violations and harm to individuals.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Conducting research without ERB oversight can lead to violations and irreparable harm, which is why ERBs are essential in establishing trust in research.

Teacher
Teacher

In summary, ERBs protect participants and help maintain trust in research findings.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

ERBs ensure that research is conducted ethically, protecting participants' rights and well-being.

Standard

Ethical Review Boards (ERBs) play a crucial role in overseeing research ethics by evaluating the ethical implications of research proposals, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and the avoidance of harm to human subjects.

Detailed

Ethical Review Boards (ERBs)

Ethical Review Boards (ERBs), also known as Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), are committees established to review research proposals involving human participants. Their primary goal is to ensure that the research adheres to ethical standards and respects the rights and welfare of participants. ERBs conduct thorough assessments to ensure that:

  1. Informed Consent: Researchers must obtain voluntary participation from subjects after informing them about the nature, risks, and benefits of the research.
  2. Confidentiality and Anonymity: Participants' identities and personal data must be kept confidential to protect their privacy.
  3. Avoidance of Harm: Research should not inflict physical, emotional, or psychological harm on participants.
  4. Integrity and Honesty: Researchers must report findings truthfully without data manipulation.

Most academic and research institutions require that all research involving human participants receives approval from an ERB to be conducted. This protocol helps to maintain ethical standards across various social science research methodologies.

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Purpose of Ethical Review Boards

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● Most institutions require research to be approved by an ERB to ensure ethical standards.

Detailed Explanation

Ethical Review Boards (ERBs) are committees established by research institutions to review research proposals. Their main purpose is to ensure that all research conducted within the institution adheres to ethical standards. This includes protecting the rights and well-being of participants and ensuring that the research processes are fair and just.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you’re planning a school project that involves interviewing classmates. Before you proceed, your teacher (acting as an ERB) checks your project plan to ensure that you won’t ask any invasive questions, that your classmates know they can opt-out, and that their privacy is respected. This helps make sure everyone feels safe and respects each other.

Importance of ERB Approval

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● Ensures ethical standards are maintained in research involving human subjects.

Detailed Explanation

The approval process by an ERB is essential because it safeguards the integrity of the research and the rights of participants. This process includes reviewing the research design, consent procedures, and potential risks to participants, ensuring that everything is ethically sound before any study begins.

Examples & Analogies

Think of launching a rocket: it must go through thorough safety checks to avoid accidents. Similarly, research proposals undergo ERB scrutiny to prevent ethical breaches, such as harming participants or collecting data without their consent.

Components Reviewed by ERBs

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● Evaluation includes research design, consent processes, and potential risks involved.

Detailed Explanation

ERBs review several key components of a research proposal. They check the research design to see if it is appropriate and scientifically valid. They also examine how participants' informed consent will be obtained, ensuring participants are aware of what the study involves. Lastly, they assess potential risks that subjects might face, making sure that the benefits of the research outweigh any potential harm.

Examples & Analogies

When buying a car, you would check its safety features and past accidents. ERBs do a similar review process for research, ensuring all aspects promote participant safety and contribute meaningfully to knowledge.

Consequences of ERB Non-compliance

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● Conducting research without ERB approval can lead to ethical violations and consequences for researchers.

Detailed Explanation

If researchers conduct studies without obtaining ERB approval, they risk serious ethical violations. Such violations can result in penalties such as the retraction of published studies, loss of funding, and disciplinary actions from their institutions. It undermines the trust in scientific research and can have broader implications for the credibility of the research community.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a doctor who performs surgeries without the hospital's ethical clearance. If complications arise, not only could the doctor face legal repercussions, but trust in the healthcare system could be damaged. Similarly, without ERB approval, researchers jeopardize the trust in their findings and their professional integrity.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • Ethical Review Boards (ERBs): Committees that review research proposals to ensure ethical compliance.

  • Informed Consent: A process ensuring participants are adequately informed before agreeing to participate in research.

  • Confidentiality: Protecting participant identities and data throughout the research process.

  • Integrity: Maintaining honesty and accuracy in conducting and reporting research.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • ERBs evaluate a clinical drug trial to ensure patients are aware of potential side effects before consenting.

  • A researcher designing a study on domestic abuse must demonstrate how they will maintain confidentiality for sensitive participant information.

Memory Aids

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🎵 Rhymes Time

  • ERBs protect participants, that's their goal, to ensure informed consent and integrity's role.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a town where a researcher wants to survey citizens. An ERB ensures they explain the survey's risks, maintain confidentiality, and guarantee no harm comes to participants. This keeps the town's trust in research strong.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • To remember ERB functions, think 'C.A.I.H' (Confidentiality, Avoidance of harm, Integrity, Honesty).

🎯 Super Acronyms

ERB

  • Ethical Review Board - Engaging in Ethical Research Practices.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

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  • Term: Ethical Review Boards (ERBs)

    Definition:

    Committees responsible for reviewing research proposals to ensure ethical standards are met.

  • Term: Informed Consent

    Definition:

    The process of providing potential research participants with adequate information to make an informed decision about participation.

  • Term: Confidentiality

    Definition:

    The obligation of researchers to protect the identity and personal information of research participants.

  • Term: Integrity

    Definition:

    The adherence to ethical principles, including honesty and accuracy in reporting research results.