87. Dr. Farnsworth is working to get his study approved by the institutional review board of an institution with which he is affiliated. Which of the following aspects of his study will the board be most concerned with?
Answer: B
How Dr. Farnsworth will store and protect participant data
The institutional review board (IRB) will be primarily concerned with how Dr. Farnsworth will store and protect participant data, as this is critical for ensuring the confidentiality and safety of study participants.
A) The journals in which Dr. Farnsworth plans to publish the results of the study
This option is incorrect as the IRB focuses on ethical considerations related to participant welfare, rather than the choice of journals for publication. The publication venue does not impact participant protection or data security.
B) How Dr. Farnsworth will store and protect participant data
This is the correct answer because the IRB's main responsibility is to evaluate the ethical aspects of a study, including how participant data will be managed, stored, and protected to uphold confidentiality and prevent harm.
C) The statistical procedures Dr. Farnsworth will use to analyze his study
While the statistical procedures are important for the integrity of the research findings, they do not directly relate to participant protection and ethical considerations, which are the primary focus of the IRB's review.
D) Whether Dr. Farnsworth will use research methods like those used in similar previous studies
This option is not a primary concern for the IRB, as their focus is more on the ethical implications of the study rather than the comparability of research methods. Previous studies may inform the design, but they do not address participant safety directly.
E) Dr. Farnsworth’s requested budget for completing the study
The budget may be relevant for logistical planning, but it is not a primary concern for the IRB. The IRB's evaluation centers around participant rights and ethical treatment rather than financial aspects of the study.
Conclusion
The IRB's primary concern is ensuring the ethical treatment of participants, which includes safeguarding their data. Option B directly addresses these issues by emphasizing the importance of data protection, while all other options focus on aspects that do not directly impact participant welfare or ethical considerations. Thus, B is the definitive correct choice.