Research ethics boards: Error and misconception
2006

Research Ethics Boards: Error and Misconception

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Angela Bowen

Primary Institution: Western Institutional Review Board

Hypothesis

Should society allow research ethics boards to be run as for-profit enterprises?

Conclusion

The Western Institutional Review Board (WIRB) maintains a separation between its ethics review process and its business operations.

Supporting Evidence

  • WIRB's ethics review process is separate from its business operations.
  • Board members are fully trained and meetings are convened regularly.
  • Disapprovals are respected just as much as approvals.

Takeaway

This article talks about how a research ethics board works and why it is important to keep its decisions separate from business interests.

Potential Biases

The article addresses misconceptions and inaccuracies about the WIRB's operations and reputation.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pmed.0030458

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