Question

a ________ is least likely to be involved in the irb decision regarding whether a study will be permitted.

• librarian at the research institution
• local independent grocer with interests in academic research
• scientist who conducts research at a university
• veterinarian

Explanation:

Define IRB role and composition

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews research involving human subjects to ensure ethical standards. Federal regulations require diverse membership, including scientists, non-scientists, and community members unaffiliated with the institution.

Analyze the options

• Librarian at the research institution: Represents a non-scientist member from within the institution.
• Local independent grocer with interests in academic research: Represents an unaffiliated community member, often a non-scientist.
• Scientist who conducts research at a university: Represents a scientific member of the board.
• Veterinarian: Primarily involved in the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) for animal research, rather than human subject research (IRB).

Determine the least likely member

While an IRB requires diverse members, a veterinarian's expertise is specifically designated for animal research oversight (IACUC) rather than human research (IRB). Therefore, a veterinarian is the least likely to be involved in an IRB decision.

Answer:

• librarian at the research institution
• local independent grocer with interests in academic research
• scientist who conducts research at a university
• veterinarian (Correct answer)