What factor can lead to the revocation of research approval by an IRB?

The revocation of research approval by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) can occur if the study's risks outweigh the anticipated benefits to participants. This is a fundamental principle outlined in ethical research guidelines, which emphasize the importance of ensuring that the well-being of research participants is prioritized. The IRB's role is to assess the risk-benefit ratio of proposed studies, ensuring that any risks involved in the research are justified by potential benefits. If, at any point, it is determined that the risks have become excessive compared to the benefits, the IRB has the authority to revoke the study's approval. This protective measure serves to safeguard participants from potential harm they may face during the research process.

The other options mentioned, while they may reflect operational or ethical concerns within research, do not directly pertain to the IRB's evaluative criteria in terms of risk and benefits. For example, not publishing findings does not affect the ethical impact on participants, and feedback from participants, although valuable, is not a condition that would influence the IRB's decision-making process regarding approval status or revocation. The speed of data collection might raise concerns about quality or protocol adherence, but it does not inherently present a risk that would necessitate revocation based on the