Which term describes the independent committee that reviews human subjects research?

• A. Institutional Review Board
• B. Ethics Committee
• C. Data Safety Monitoring Board
• D. Research Compliance Panel

Answer: (A)

Independent oversight of studies involving people is essential to safeguard participants' rights and welfare. An Institutional Review Board is precisely that: a committee independent of the researchers and sponsors that reviews research protocols before they start, checks how informed consent will be obtained, assesses risk versus benefit, and monitors ongoing conduct to ensure ongoing compliance.

This body exists to protect human subjects and ensure compliance with regulations. It differs from other terms in focus and function. An ethics committee may handle broader ethical questions in care or some research contexts but isn’t universally the formal approval body for research protocols. A Data Safety Monitoring Board concentrates on participant safety data during a trial, handling interim analyses and stopping rules rather than the initial ethical review or consent process. A research compliance panel isn’t the standard term for this role.