What is the role of ethics committees or institutional review boards (IRBs) in psychological research?

• A. They review research proposals to protect participants' welfare, ensure consent, minimize harm, and ensure ethical standards are met.
• B. They design experiments.
• C. They fund research.
• D. They publish results.

Answer: (A)

Ethics oversight exists to protect people in psychological research by carefully reviewing proposed studies before they begin. They examine how participants will be recruited, how informed consent will be obtained, and whether the risks of harm are minimized and reasonable given the potential benefits. They check that participation is voluntary and that individuals can withdraw at any time, that personal information remains confidential, and that data handling protects privacy. They also consider whether any vulnerable groups need extra safeguards and whether researchers have a plan for debriefing and monitoring welfare during and after the study. This ongoing scrutiny helps ensure that research follows ethical standards and protects participants’ rights and well-being. They do not design experiments, fund research, or publish results.