Which statement best describes what an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is responsible for reviewing in psychological research?

• A. The IRB reviews the publication process for psychology journals.
• B. The IRB reviews research proposals to ensure the ethical treatment and protection of human participants.
• C. The IRB reviews the statistical methods used in psychological experiments.
• D. The IRB reviews grant applications for funding opportunities in psychology.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee established to review and approve research involving human participants, ensuring ethical standards are met.
2. Recognize that the primary responsibility of the IRB is to protect the rights, welfare, and privacy of human subjects involved in research studies.
3. Note that the IRB evaluates research proposals before the study begins, focusing on informed consent, risk minimization, and confidentiality.
4. Distinguish that the IRB does not review the publication process, statistical methods, or funding applications, as these are outside its ethical oversight role.
5. Conclude that the best description of the IRB's responsibility is reviewing research proposals to ensure the ethical treatment and protection of human participants.