Which of the following statements about risks in social and behavioral sciences research is most accurate?

• A. Social and behavioral sciences research never involves any risks to participants.
• B. Only physical risks are considered important in social and behavioral sciences research.
• C. Risks in social and behavioral sciences are always greater than in biomedical research.
• D. Risks in social and behavioral sciences are often related to psychological or emotional harm rather than physical harm.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the types of risks involved in social and behavioral sciences research. These risks can include psychological, emotional, social, and sometimes physical harm, but physical harm is less common compared to biomedical research.
2. Step 2: Recognize that social and behavioral sciences research does involve risks, so the statement that it never involves any risks is inaccurate.
3. Step 3: Note that focusing only on physical risks ignores other important types of risks such as emotional distress, loss of privacy, or social stigma, which are highly relevant in social and behavioral research.
4. Step 4: Compare the nature of risks in social and behavioral sciences with those in biomedical research. While biomedical research often involves physical risks, social and behavioral research risks are often psychological or emotional, and not necessarily greater in magnitude.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the most accurate statement is that risks in social and behavioral sciences are often related to psychological or emotional harm rather than physical harm, reflecting the unique nature of these fields.