CITI Training Social and Behavioral Focus Practice Test

The role of IRBs is to protect people who take part in research by reviewing each study before it starts to ensure that any risks are minimized and participants’ rights are safeguarded. In social/behavioral research, this means evaluating how participants are recruited, how informed consent is obtained, what information is disclosed, how data will be kept confidential, and what steps are in place to minimize potential harms like privacy breaches or psychological distress. They ensure participants can decline or withdraw without penalty and that additional protections exist for vulnerable groups. They may require changes to the protocol or consent materials or pause a study if risks are not adequately mitigated. IRBs do not conduct data analysis, select participants for data quality, or determine funding. The best answer reflects that IRBs review and approve protocols to ensure risk is minimized and rights protected.