Which of the following is not a primary responsibility of an REB?

• A. To review the ethical acceptability of the methods of a research proposal.
• B. To review the ethical acceptability of the design of a research proposal.
• C. To review substantive changes made to the research during the course of a study.
• D. To provide advice about alternative methods to answer the research question.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that an REB’s role is to ensure research involving humans is conducted ethically, focusing on protecting participants and evaluating the ethical implications of how the study is conducted. This includes reviewing the proposed methods to ensure they minimize risk and respect participants, assessing whether the study design is appropriate from an ethical standpoint, and checking that the consent process, confidentiality measures, and protections for vulnerable populations are sound. The REB also reviews substantive changes to a study while it’s underway to confirm they remain ethically acceptable.

Providing advice about alternative methods to answer the research question isn’t a typical part of the REB’s mandate. That kind of guidance is more about scientific design or methodological alternatives, whereas the REB’s primary function is ethics oversight. If ethical concerns arise, the REB can require changes to the protocol to improve protection or consent, but it doesn’t usually serve as a design consultant proposing different scientific approaches.