Often when people think of risks in research, they think of medical research. However, such studies as Miligram's Obidence to Authority study, Zimbardo's Prison Study, Humphiries' Tearoom Trade Study, and others similiar studies show that there are potential risks to participants in social behavioura and education research (SBER). These risks are generally psychological in nature or risks to reputation and/or employiability. Studies that deal with illegal activities also have the potential to introcude legal risks to participants.

Generally a study is considered Greater than Minimal Risk (GTMR) when the population being study is vulnerable and it is a sensitive topic. See the Research Centre for additional information on vulnerable populations and sensitive topics.

However, care must be taken in minimal risk studies to ensure that the research is conducted ethically and does not introduce potential risk (for example a quantitative study about adherence to HIV medication may not be a GTMR study but placing adverts in supermarkets or other public spaces to recruit participants could lead to inadvertent disclosure of the individuals HIV status to other members of the public).

As the ways to mitigate potential risks will differ from study to study, it is difficult to provide general guidance. We recommend that you consult with the IRB Office during milestones 1, 2 and 3 (or for professional doctorates, early in the topic selection discussions) if you, your mentor or the school mentions there's the potential for risks to participants in your study. You may schedule a consult by emailing the IRB Office and include a summary of your proposed research (research plan or SMR form if completed are best to send).

Also review the Key Concepts in Ethical Research interactive for some examples as to how study activities and design can introduce potential risks to participants and ways to mitigate that risk.