Which of the following best describes the primary role of the community member on an REB?

• A. To bring diversity to the REB.
• B. To provide an independent perspective on the proposed research.
• C. To represent the research participant perspective.
• D. To ensure not all REB members are academics.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that a community member on an REB brings the voice of people outside the academic or clinical world into the ethics review. Their role is to represent the public and the perspectives of those who might participate in research, ensuring that what is proposed respects participants’ rights, welfare, and values.

This perspective matters for several reasons. A lay member can spot issues that experts might miss, such as whether consent materials are clear and understandable, whether the risks and burdens are reasonable in relation to the potential benefits, and whether recruitment practices are respectful and appropriate for the community. They help the board step back from technical detail and consider how real people would experience enrollment, information, and privacy in everyday terms. That external viewpoint supports participant protection and helps maintain public trust in the research process.

While diversity, independence, and avoiding exclusive academic representation are all important considerations for a balanced REB, none of these alone captures the core function of a community member as well as representing the participant/public perspective to safeguard people who may be involved in the research.