What are research proposals primarily reviewed for?

Research proposals are primarily reviewed to ensure that ethical standards are met. This review process is crucial because research involving human or animal subjects raises significant ethical considerations that must be addressed to protect participants' rights and welfare. Review boards or committees evaluate proposals to ensure that researchers plan to conduct their studies in a manner that aligns with ethical guidelines, such as informed consent, minimizing harm, and ensuring fairness and respect for all participants.

While securing financial support or funding is a component of the research process, it is not the primary focus of the proposal review. Immediate publication is also not a guarantee at this stage, as publication results from a separate peer review process following the study's completion. Completing the research process encompasses a range of activities that go beyond the proposal stage, making it less relevant to the primary focus of proposal reviews.