What consideration should social workers take when engaged in evaluation or research?

When social workers engage in evaluation or research, it is crucial to consult institutional review boards (IRBs) to ensure the protection of participants. IRBs play a pivotal role in reviewing research proposals to assess the ethical implications involved. Their primary purpose is to protect the rights and welfare of participants, ensuring that they are not subjected to harm, coercion, or any ethical violations.

By adhering to the guidelines set forth by IRBs, social workers can help maintain ethical standards, which include obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality, and addressing any potential conflicts of interest. This engagement with IRBs fosters accountability and enhances the integrity of the research process, ultimately leading to more reliable and ethically sound outcomes.

The other options do not align with ethical research practices within the social work profession and do not prioritize the well-being of participants, making them inappropriate choices in this context.