A study was submitted to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) designed to investigate the effects of sleep deprivation on memory. What is the primary purpose of the IRB in this context?

• A. To analyze the data collected from the study
• B. To recruit participants for the research study
• C. To ensure that the study protects the rights and welfare of human participants
• D. To provide funding for psychological research studies

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee established to review and approve research involving human participants to ensure ethical standards are met.
2. Recognize that the IRB's primary role is to protect the rights, safety, and welfare of the participants involved in the study, especially in sensitive research areas like sleep deprivation and memory.
3. Note that the IRB does not analyze data, recruit participants, or provide funding; these tasks are handled by researchers or other entities.
4. Focus on the ethical review process, where the IRB evaluates the study's design to ensure risks to participants are minimized and informed consent is properly obtained.
5. Conclude that the IRB's main purpose in this context is to ensure the study protects the rights and welfare of human participants before the research begins.