Discussion 3 - Discuss the proper role of the IRB

Discussion 3

This week, you will discuss the proper role of the IRB at a university. Regardless of whether you are carrying out an empirical capstone study or not, it is critical to understand the role of an IRB and to think critically about its purview.

Do IRB's have the potential to limit the academic freedom of researchers? Do IRB's have the potential to engage in needless censorship of potentially important research? Please read both articles - the "IRB as a mirror" goes over issues with IRBs, and the case study is essential - what would you do if you were an IRB reviewer for the study presented? Do you agree with the decisions? Do you agree with the student researchers? Why or why not?