Protection from harm means researchers should avoid exposing participants to what?

• A. Anything they wouldn't normally be expected to experience.
• B. Only physical harm.
• C. Only psychological harm.
• D. Any harm as long as results justify it.

Answer: (C)

Protection from harm means researchers should avoid exposing participants to anything they wouldn’t normally be expected to experience. This standard covers both physical and psychological risk, and aims to keep level of risk in line with everyday life, with steps to minimize distress and provide support or debriefing if needed. The other options narrow the scope—focusing only on physical harm leaves psychological harm unprotected, or only on psychological harm leaves physical risk unaddressed. Allowing harm if results justify it goes against ethical guidelines that prioritize participant welfare over outcomes.