What role does the Institutional Review Board (IRB) play in research?

The role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in research is primarily focused on the review of research proposals to ensure the protection of human participants involved in the studies. The IRB assesses whether the research complies with ethical standards and regulatory requirements, evaluating factors such as risks to participants, informed consent processes, and the adequacy of measures to protect participants' rights and welfare. By doing this, the IRB plays a critical role in safeguarding the wellbeing of individuals involved in research before a study can commence, ensuring that ethical considerations are met and maintained throughout the research process.

In contrast, the other options pertain to activities not within the IRB's scope. For example, the IRB does not approve funding for research, conduct the actual studies, or provide legal counsel to researchers. The IRB’s distinct function centers around the ethical oversight of study proposals, making the selection of the correct answer reflect an essential understanding of the IRB's responsibilities in the research environment.