What is an essential requirement before conducting research involving human subjects?

Before conducting research involving human subjects, obtaining approval from an ethics committee, often referred to as an Institutional Review Board (IRB), is a crucial requirement. This step ensures that the research is planned and conducted ethically, safeguarding the rights and welfare of the participants involved. The ethics committee reviews the research proposal to ensure that risks to participants are minimized and justified, informed consent is obtained, and that the research aligns with ethical guidelines and legal regulations.

Research ethics are paramount to protect vulnerable populations and maintain public trust in the scientific process. This oversight structure is in place to ensure that researchers adhere to ethical standards, and the approval signifies that the proposed research meets necessary ethical criteria.

In contrast, other options such as popular support, having a large budget, or agreement from participants alone do not adequately ensure ethical oversight or participant protection. While popular support and funding may support the feasibility of research, they do not address ethical considerations. Similarly, participant agreement, while important, does not substitute for the proactive ethical review process.