Which of the following most accurately describes the risks associated with SBR?

Which of the following most accurately describes the risks associated with SBR?

1: More likely to be treatable by researchers than physical harms

2: Less serious and more frequent than physical harms

3: Shorter in duration and less frequent than physical harms

4: Less predictable, more variable, and less treatable than physical harms

Answer: 4: Less predictable, more variable, and less treatable than physical harms

The risks linked to Social & Behavioral Research (SBR) are rather uncertain and psychologically complex which could be in contrast with the grasp and treatable nature of the physical harm. Similarly, the psychological, social, or economic harms linked with SBR may be more challenging to monitor and manage. In these situations, intangible indicators may be more entangled. Thus, the consequences that follow the occurrence of these negative factors can be more complex, unpredictable, and difficult to govern. Such risks can materialize in their various forms, e.g. emotional distress, privacy breach, stigmatization or economic losses, and unlike a single person, the scope and trend of their effects may vary among individuals or communities. Moreover, the treatment and mitigation of these risks may be more difficult than what is required for the physical risk and thus less defined. This may hinder us from adequately handling the issue.