Final answer:
Option b) a board member of a company knowing that a merger is going to be announced is an example of inside information.
Step-by-step explanation:
Inside information refers to information that is not available to the public and can give an unfair advantage to those who possess it. Among the options provided, option b) a board member of a company knowing that a merger is going to be announced is the example of inside information. This board member has access to non-public information about the merger, which can potentially influence the stock price of the company.