Certification for IRB Professionals (CIP) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CIP Practice Questions and Study Guide

Studies involving human subjects, including clinical trials, surveys, and behavioral research, typically require Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval because they involve direct interaction or intervention with participants, or the collection of identifiable private information. The primary purpose of the IRB is to ensure the ethical treatment of participants and to assess potential risks. This includes safeguarding against physical, psychological, legal, or social risks that may arise from participation in the research.

In the context of clinical trials, IRB approval is essential given that these studies often involve testing new drugs or therapies that could have significant effects on participants’ health. Similarly, surveys and behavioral research that gather sensitive information could pose risks of psychological harm or privacy violations. Hence, the IRB plays a crucial role in evaluating research proposals involving human subjects to ensure that ethical standards are met and that the rights and welfare of participants are protected.

The other options fail to encapsulate the broader scope of research that requires IRB oversight. For instance, not all studies require federal funding for IRB approval; the requirement is more about the nature of the research rather than the funding source. Additionally, private institutions also often conduct studies that necessitate IRB review, and research that does not present risks may still require review to ensure compliance