What Role Do Ethics Committees Play in Preventing Coercion?
Ethics committees, also known as Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), play a critical role in preventing coercion. They are responsible for reviewing research proposals to ensure that ethical standards, including the principle of no coercion, are upheld. These committees assess the consent process, the information provided to participants, and the measures taken to minimize risks and protect participant autonomy. Their oversight helps to ensure that research is conducted ethically and responsibly.