When conducting research, it’s not only critical to think about the research design (the who, what, when, where, why, and how) but it’s equally important to consider the ethical components of research.
Research projects focused on understanding humans and human experiences, such as pedagogical improvements, medicine and medical inventions, or psychological treatments and so on, often require approval by an institution’s ethical review board. Institutional Review Boards (IRB) oversee compliance with federal and international laws. At COA, the Ethical Research Review Board (ERRB) oversees all research activity and compliance with laws, regardless if projects are carried out by faculty, staff, or students.
While it might feel like an unnecessary obstacle, a so-called “hoop to jump through” or something to check off the list, this step is critical to all research that is carried out by researchers who are based in the United States. Other countries have their own ethical review boards that oversee research activities carried out by researchers in those countries to make sure they adhere to local laws.