All research institutions have an institutional review board (IRB) that is established with a primary goal of protecting the rights and well-being of human subjects involved in research. The requirements for IRB review extend to all research involving human subjects including medical and behavioral studies, clinical or biomedical studies, and survey-based research.

The IRB typically recognizes three types of reviews: exempt, expedited, and full review.  To potentially be considered exempt, a study must involve minimal risk to the participants and employ techniques such as the use of educational tests, surveys, interviews, observation of publicly displayed behavior, or existing documents or data. Expedited reviews must also involve minimal risk to the participants and use such activities as audio or video recordings, observation of individuals or groups, or continuing research already approved by the IRB. All other types of research require a full committee review by the IRB. The IRB may choose to conduct a full review even if the project potentially qualifies for exempt or expedited review.

Additional information about IRBs is available from the United States Department of Health and Human Services in its Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP). The Policy and Guidance section of this website provides information surrounding informed consent, vulnerable populations, and a host of other issues that researchers may encounter. The section also presents a series of decision trees to help researchers understand if the research project involves human subjects and, if so, what type of IRB review is required. IBRNet.org provides forms and templates for member institutions that simplify the process of submitting a research proposal to the IRB.

While research is important to the advancement of understanding, it is of greater importance that the research is conducted ethically and that human subjects are adequately protected. The review of research proposals by an IRB is a key factor in assuring that ethical and protective issues of research are addressed.