A researcher wants to do a web-based survey of college students to collect information about their sexual behavior and drug use. Direct identifiers will not be collected; however, IP addresses may be present in the data set. Risk of harm should be evaluated by what?

When conducting a web-based survey on sensitive topics such as sexual behavior and drug use, even if direct identifiers are not collected, there are still ethical considerations and risks of harm that should be carefully evaluated. In the context of research ethics, the risk of harm should be evaluated by considering the following:

1. Privacy Risks:

• Assess the potential for breaches of privacy. Even if direct identifiers are not collected, the nature of the questions may allow for the identification of individuals, especially in a small or close-knit community.

2. Confidentiality:

• Consider the measures in place to ensure the confidentiality of participants. If IP addresses are collected, steps should be taken to anonymize or protect this information.

3. Data Security:

• Evaluate the security measures in place to protect the data from unauthorized access or hacking. The storage and transmission of sensitive data should comply with best practices for data security.

4. Informed Consent:

• Ensure that participants are fully informed about the nature of the survey, the types of questions asked, and any potential risks. Participants should provide informed consent voluntarily.

5. Data Handling and Storage:

• Consider how the data will be handled, stored, and disposed of after the research is complete. Implement secure practices to minimize the risk of data breaches.

6. Legal and Ethical Compliance:

• Ensure that the research complies with legal and ethical standards. Research ethics boards or institutional review boards may need to review and approve the study.

7. Potential for Stigmatization:

• Assess whether the nature of the questions could lead to stigmatization or harm to participants. Researchers should take steps to minimize the potential negative consequences for participants.

8. Support Services:

• Provide information about support services or resources that participants can access if they feel distressed or require assistance as a result of participating in the survey.

By thoroughly evaluating these factors, researchers can better understand and mitigate the potential risks of harm associated with web-based surveys on sensitive topics. This process is crucial to conducting ethical and responsible research.