IRB - Preface

The program for protection of human subjects of research at California State University Long Beach depends on each member of the community understanding the basic ethical considerations which underlie not only the federal guidelines but the campus assurance of compliance. These ethical principles are stated in the first section of this Manual in the so-called "Belmont Report."

The three basic ethical positions are:
RESPECT, BENEFICENCE, and JUSTICE.

• The IRB and all researchers must maintain complete respect for the autonomy of individuals and must understand and act appropriately in situations in which the autonomy of individuals is reduced by individual circumstances or constrained by the research process itself.

• The IRB and all researchers must assure that the benefit of research outweighs the risks. To do so, it is necessary to look to the science for assurance that it is well-conceived.
• The IRB and all researchers must assure that the costs and benefits of research are distributed equitably in the population. No category or group of persons shall be asked or required to bear an unfair burden of risk so that others may benefit.

All members of the University community are urged to become completely familiar with the Belmont Report. It is upon the first principles enunciated in the Report that all else is predicated. A mutual understanding of these principles is fundamental to the success of each research project.

Elizabeth L. Ambos, Ph.D.

Associate Vice President for Research and External Support

Jim Till, Ph.D.
Director for Research Compliance