Which of the following most accurately describes the risks associated with sociobehavioral research?

Which of the following most accurately describes the risks associated with sociobehavioral research?

December 11, 2024

Question: Which of the following most accurately describes the risks associated with sociobehavioral research?

Options: A. Less serious and more frequent than physical harms
B. Shorter in duration and less frequent than physical harms
C. Less predictable, more variable, and less treatable than physical harms
D. More likely to be treatable by researchers than physical harms

Answer: C. Less predictable, more variable, and less treatable than physical harms

Brief Explanations:

Unlike physical harms, which are often more straightforward to anticipate and manage, sociobehavioral risks can manifest unpredictably. They might vary widely among participants and are often less directly treatable by the researchers. These risks could include psychological distress, social stigma, or reputational harm, and the complexity and variability make them more challenging to address.

Extended Knowledge:

In sociobehavioral studies, researchers must carefully consider potential emotional, psychological, and social impacts that participation may have on individuals. Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) require thorough risk assessments and the establishment of strategies to mitigate and manage these less predictable and often intangible harms. This complexity contrasts with biomedical research, where physical harms tend to be better understood, monitored, and alleviated through established medical interventions.


Similar Questions:

Question 1: Which of the following best describes the role of informed consent in sociobehavioral research?

Options:
A. Ensuring participants are unaware of study risks
B. Guaranteeing that participants receive compensation
C. Providing participants with information about the study’s nature, risks, and benefits before they agree to participate
D. Eliminating the need for Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval

Answer: C. Providing participants with information about the study’s nature, risks, and benefits before they agree to participate

Brief Explanations:

Informed consent involves informing potential participants about the purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and their rights before enrolling. This ensures that their decision to participate is knowledgeable, voluntary, and ethically sound. It does not assure compensation, remove the necessity of IRB oversight, or keep them unaware of risks.


Question 2:

In sociobehavioral research, which type of harm is the researcher most responsible for mitigating?

Options:
A. Physical harm due to medical procedures
B. Psychological distress resulting from sensitive interview questions
C. Equipment malfunction leading to material damage
D. Legal penalties unrelated to study participation

Answer: B. Psychological distress resulting from sensitive interview questions

Brief Explanations:

Sociobehavioral researchers typically handle non-physical risks, such as emotional or psychological harms. While not always as straightforward as physical harms, these can arise from sensitive topics or personal disclosures, and it is the researcher’s responsibility to plan protections and offer appropriate support or referrals.


Question 3: When conducting sociobehavioral research, which of the following is typically required by an IRB to protect participants?

Options:
A. A signed statement that participants will not sue the researcher
B. A plan to maintain participant confidentiality and privacy
C. A guarantee that participants will receive a direct personal benefit
D. A requirement that all participants remain anonymous in published results

Answer: B. A plan to maintain participant confidentiality and privacy

Brief Explanations:

IRBs require researchers to show how they will protect participant data and maintain confidentiality. While full anonymity may not always be possible, at minimum, measures must be in place to safeguard sensitive information and reduce risks associated with disclosure of personal details.


Question 4: Which factor often complicates assessing risk in sociobehavioral studies compared to biomedical studies?

Options:
A. Sociobehavioral data are usually more numerical and precise
B. Physical pain is easier to measure than emotional or social impact
C. Emotional and social harms can be unpredictable and differ greatly between individuals
D. Behavioral data are typically collected using standard medical instruments

Answer: C. Emotional and social harms can be unpredictable and differ greatly between individuals

Brief Explanations:

In sociobehavioral research, harm may arise from psychological discomfort, embarrassment, or social consequences, which are more subjective and vary widely among individuals. This variability and subjectivity make predicting and managing such risks more complex than in studies dealing with easily quantifiable physical harms.