Certification for IRB Professionals (CIP) Practice Exam

What is one potential ethical issue that IRBs must address?

1. Funding sources for research

2. Timeframes for research completion

3. Informed consent from research participants

4. Recruiting participants from academic institutions

The correct answer is: Informed consent from research participants

Informed consent from research participants is a fundamental ethical issue that Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) must address because it ensures that individuals have a clear understanding of their involvement in research, including the nature of the study, potential risks, benefits, and their rights as participants. The informed consent process is essential for upholding the principles of autonomy and respect for persons in research ethics. It also helps to foster trust between researchers and participants, as well as accountability within the research community. Providing participants with comprehensive information allows them to make well-informed decisions about their participation. This includes clarifying what the research entails, any potential risks they may face, and their right to withdraw at any point without penalty. By focusing on informed consent, IRBs help to protect the welfare of participants and ensure that ethical standards are upheld throughout the research process. In contrast, while funding sources, timeframes for research completion, and recruitment strategies from academic institutions are important considerations, they do not directly relate to the ethical obligations concerning participant rights and well-being, which are central to informed consent.