Certification for IRB Professionals (CIP) Practice Exam

Which procedure is essential before conducting research involving sensitive topics?

1. Observation of participants in natural settings.

2. Securing informed consent without any discussion of the risks.

3. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.

4. Publish results in scientific journals immediately.

The correct answer is: Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.

Securing Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval is essential before conducting research involving sensitive topics. The IRB's primary role is to protect the rights and welfare of research participants. This process includes a thorough review of the study's design, methodology, risks, and ethical considerations involved, particularly important in research addressing sensitive topics which may pose potential harm to participants or involve sensitive personal information. The IRB's review ensures that appropriate safeguards are in place, such as informed consent procedures, confidentiality measures, and ensuring that participants are not coerced into participating in the study. This oversight is crucial, as researchers often navigate complex ethical landscapes when dealing with sensitive subject matter, and the IRB provides an essential layer of accountability and protection. In contrast, merely observing participants in natural settings does not encompass the comprehensive protections and ethical considerations mandated by the IRB process. Similarly, securing informed consent without discussing risks undermines participants’ autonomy and informed decision-making, which is a critical foundation of ethical research. Publishing results in scientific journals immediately would also disregard the necessary ethical protocols that must be followed prior to sharing findings with the greater community.