8. What authority does the IRB have?
All research projects must be reviewed and approved before data collection
may begin. The IRB can:
-
Approve, modify, or disapprove protocols based upon consideration of human
participant protection
-
Require progress reports from investigators and oversee the conduct of
the research
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Place restrictions on the conduct of a study
-
Suspend or terminate a project
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Review and oversee the actions of Local Review Boards.
The IRB seldom disapproves research activities. Instead, the IRB
strives to work with the researcher to assure excellent research design
with minimal risk and maximal benefits to participants.