institutional review board

Definition

The committee that reviews research proposals involving human subjects to ensure ethical compliance, standing between researchers and their data collection dreams. Ethics gatekeepers who make you explain why your survey about pizza preferences won't traumatize participants.

Example Usage

The IRB took three months to approve my study, during which time my research question became irrelevant and my grant money expired.

Origin

Established following the 1974 National Research Act in response to unethical research studies like Tuskegee

Fun Fact

IRBs review everything from medical trials to student surveys, meaning someone seriously evaluated whether asking freshmen about their Netflix habits poses psychological risks.

Source: Research ethics regulations

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