Which statement best describes the relationship of the REB to decisions on research proposals?

• A. The REB decisions are independent from institutional influence when reviewing proposals.
• B. The REB decisions are controlled by the institution in all aspects.
• C. The REB has the authority to approve all research without review.
• D. The REB decisions do not involve participant consent.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the REB operates independently from the host institution when reviewing research proposals to protect participants. This independence ensures ethical decisions are grounded in participants’ rights and welfare rather than institutional agendas. The REB evaluates all aspects that affect participants—risks and benefits, recruitment, consent processes, privacy and data handling—against TCPS 2 standards, and it can require modifications, suspend, or refuse approval if ethical concerns are found. While the REB is part of the institution and follows its policies, its judgments should not be dictated by the institution, and formal processes and diverse membership help maintain objectivity.

An option implying full institutional control would overlook the safeguards that keep REBs from being biased. The idea that the REB can approve research without review contradicts the purpose of ethics review. And the belief that REB decisions do not involve participant consent misunderstands the role—the consent process and participant autonomy are central considerations in ethical review.