Human Research Protection Training Practice Exam

A common reason for delays in research approval is incomplete protocol submissions. When research proposals or protocols lack essential information or do not meet the specified guidelines, it can significantly slow down the review process. Review boards require complete and thorough submissions to evaluate the scientific merit, ethical considerations, and compliance with regulatory standards. If a submission is missing critical elements, the board may request revisions or additional information, leading to increased timelines before approval can be granted. This underscores the importance of meticulous preparation of protocol submissions to ensure that all required components, such as risk assessments and consent forms, are included from the outset to facilitate smoother and quicker reviews.

The other options do not typically contribute to delays as directly. High staffing levels might ensure more efficient processing of submissions rather than causing delays. Member absence in meetings could delay specific discussions but is often managed through scheduling and quorum requirements. Research taking too long is more of a reflection of ongoing study activities rather than an issue affecting the initial approval phase.