IRB review is an important component of the commitment of the university community to conduct all research activities within the bounds of the most rigorous ethical and methodological standards. The IRB links the researcher and the research participant via the use of appropriate procedures for obtaining the informed consent of participants. IRB review and approval of the research assures the participant that the researcher has adopted appropriate means for conducting the investigation and for protecting the participant’s rights and welfare. Also, IRB approval assures compliance with federal rules and regulations governing the treatment of research participants.