Learn Before
Essay

Define the concept of 'minimal risk' in the context of psychological research and explicitly state why establishing this threshold is a necessary step for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs).

Question: Define the concept of 'minimal risk' in the context of psychological research and explicitly state why establishing this threshold is a necessary step for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs).

Sample answer: Minimal risk describes a level of potential harm in research that does not exceed the risks individuals ordinarily experience in their daily lives or during routine physical or psychological evaluations. Establishing this threshold is essential for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) because it allows them to determine the necessary level of oversight required for a study, such as whether a research protocol qualifies for an expedited review.

Key points:

  • Defines minimal risk as potential harm not exceeding the risks of everyday daily life.
  • Includes routine physical or psychological evaluations as part of the minimal risk baseline.
  • States that establishing this threshold helps IRBs determine the necessary level of oversight.
  • Identifies that qualifying as minimal risk allows a study to undergo expedited review.

Rubric: The answer must accurately reproduce the definition of minimal risk using the baseline of everyday life or routine evaluations, and it must correctly state its function in determining the appropriate level of IRB oversight (e.g., qualifying for expedited review).

0

1

Updated 2026-05-27

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

KPU

Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

Related