What impact does an IRB review have on research involving minors?

The choice indicating that an IRB review typically leads to stricter guidelines is accurate because Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are specifically established to protect the rights and welfare of research participants, including minors. Research involving minors is considered particularly sensitive due to their vulnerability and the potential for coercion or undue influence. As a result, IRBs impose stricter ethical guidelines and review processes for studies involving this population to ensure their safety and well-being.

These stricter guidelines may include requirements for obtaining informed consent from parents or guardians, ensuring that minors are given an appropriate explanation of the research in an age-appropriate manner, and implementing safeguards to minimize risks associated with the study. The goal of these measures is to promote ethical standards and protect minors from possible exploitation or harm in the research setting, which is central to the IRB's mission.