Why might an IRB be concerned about the potential impact of a study involving human subjects?

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) focuses on the ethical implications and safeguards necessary in research involving human participants. The primary concern of an IRB is to ensure that participants' rights and welfare are protected throughout the study. This involves assessing the risks involved in the research, the potential for harm, and ensuring that informed consent is properly obtained. By prioritizing the protection of participants, the IRB aims to uphold ethical standards and promote respect for individuals involved in research.

While concerns about study validity, investigator experience, and compensation for participants are relevant factors in the broader context of research ethics, they do not directly address the immediate obligations of the IRB concerning the well-being and rights of human subjects. Therefore, the protection of participants' rights and welfare is the correct and most pertinent concern that an IRB must address.