Читать книгу Social Work Research Methods - Reginald O. York - Страница 108

A risk is a disadvantage to the study subject, while a benefit is an advantage to either the study subject or society in general. Risk normally refers to privacy or harm to participants. Examples of the latter are procedures that place study subjects under stress or risky procedures like administration of drugs. Asking a client to complete a scale designed to measure target behavior normally holds no risk of harm from the procedures, so the issue of invasion of privacy is usually the only theme to be addressed in a typical study of human services.

When there are risks, you must review the balance of risks with benefits. Sometimes the risk is only held by the study subject, and the benefit is to society in general. In this case, you will determine if the benefit warrants the risk. This is not an easy question to answer.

An issue you should consider when facing risks is whether you have available procedures that are less risky. Even if you could cogently argue that the benefits of this study will outweigh the risks, you will be expected to employ a less risky procedure that will achieve equal benefits. Whatever the risks, they should always be minimized to the extent feasible.