What is the purpose of including community representation on an REB?

• A. To speed up approvals.
• B. To ensure the study's results are favorable for the sponsor.
• C. To ensure participants' communities' values and welfare are considered.
• D. To meet a quota.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that including community representation on a Research Ethics Board ensures that the voices and welfare of the communities affected by the study are part of the ethical review. When research involves a particular community, its values, norms, and potential risks can differ from those of individual participants, so having community input helps the board interpret consent processes, assess risks in context, and consider benefits in a way that respects that community. This alignment supports respect for persons and justice by extending protections beyond individuals to the communities that may bear collective risks or benefits. It also brings cultural insight, helps identify community-level concerns, and supports ethical decisions meaningful to participants and their communities. It is not about speeding approvals, influencing outcomes to favor sponsors, or meeting a quota.