Does psychological research have to be approved by the institutional review board?

Yes, psychological research involving human participants typically requires approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB's primary role is to ensure that the study adheres to ethical standards, protecting participants' rights and welfare. This includes reviewing research proposals for issues related to informed consent, potential risks, and the overall ethical treatment of participants. Certain types of research, like anonymous surveys or studies using existing data, may be exempt from this requirement, but it generally applies to most studies involving direct interaction with participants.