If an investigator starts asking participants to join a study before getting IRB approval, how is this viewed?

When an investigator begins to recruit participants for a study prior to receiving Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, this action is considered inconsistent with ethical and regulatory standards in human research. The IRB serves as a protective body that ensures the rights and welfare of research participants are safeguarded. Recruitment is a crucial phase in the research process, and it is mandated that any such activities must be approved by the IRB before they can commence.

Engaging participants in a study without prior IRB approval can expose them to risks without the necessary safeguards being in place and undermines the integrity of the research process. Additionally, it may also lead to potential legal consequences for the investigator and the institution, as it violates ethical obligations and regulatory requirements governing human subjects research. Therefore, adherence to the IRB review process is essential, and any recruitment efforts must be conducted only after receiving formal approval.