How should risk of harm be evaluated in a research study involving a web-based survey for college students?

Evaluating the risk of harm in a research study, particularly one involving a web-based survey for college students, requires a comprehensive approach. The most effective method is to assess both the magnitude and the probability of potential harm that could occur as a result of participation in the study.

By examining the magnitude, researchers consider how serious or harmful an adverse event could be, such as psychological distress or loss of privacy. At the same time, evaluating the probability allows researchers to estimate how likely it is for these harmful events to occur. This dual assessment helps researchers gain a clearer picture of the overall risk associated with the study.

Approaching risk assessment in this way enables scientists to make informed decisions about the need for safeguards, informed consent processes, and potential ethical implications of their research, ultimately protecting the well-being of participants while still allowing for valuable data collection.