Question

A researcher wants to explore how children are affected by domestic violence against the mother by testing the effectiveness of children participating in a multi-week discussion group. Children will be enrolled and randomized into one of two groups: A discussion group or wait-list control playgroup. The mothers will fill out a mailed or emailed questionnaire about their child’s behavior and emotional state at baseline, and after the last meeting for each group. Which is the best statement regarding research risks of harm?

Answer 1

Research risks of harm exist for both the children and the mothers; the potential harm is different for each group.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mothers as well as the children are subjects or participants of the research, and hence are exposed to research risks of getting harm. The risks of harm are different for both. The mothers could be directed towards further domestic violence if the participation in the study were accidentally disclosed. The children participated in the discussion group may experience escalated fears and negative emotions. The children of the discussion group may indulge in additional abuse or situation that require reporting. The children, being randomized in the waiting list will not experience any extra risk of harm.