What is the focus of ethical review in research involving human subjects?

The focus of ethical review in research involving human subjects is primarily about protecting the rights and welfare of participants. This involves ensuring that research is conducted in a manner that respects the dignity of individuals and safeguards them from harm. Ethical review processes, such as those conducted by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), assess proposals to ensure that participants are fully informed about the nature of the research, potential risks, and their right to withdraw at any time without penalty. Furthermore, ethical considerations include obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality and data protection.

In contrast, while profitability (one of the other options) may be a concern for researchers or institutions, it is not the primary focus of ethical review. Similarly, validating a researcher's hypothesis or focusing solely on sample size do not address the core ethical concerns of participant protection and welfare. Such elements are essential to the scientific process, but they do not encompass the ethical dimensions that govern research with human subjects. Therefore, the ethical review is fundamentally about ensuring the safety, rights, and humane treatment of individuals participating in research.