To minimize potential risks of harm, a researcher conducting an on-line survey can:

To minimize potential risks of harm, a researcher conducting an on-line survey can:

A.Comply with the survey software’s Terms of Service agreement.

B.Design the survey so that no direct or indirect identifiers are collected.

C.Suggest that subjects print a copy of the informed consent form for their records.

D.Specify that all respondents must be legal adults.

Answer: B.Design the survey so that no direct or indirect identifiers are collected.

This approach is the most useful in reducing the sources of harm in research involving online surveys. Administering the research without simultaneously collecting any ‘indicators’ – direct ones such as names or addresses or indirect ones like specific job titles or certain demographic variables or a combination of the two – the researcher can maximize participants’ anonymity. This feature helps eliminate possible threats that might be incurred by respondents in case their anonymity is compromised, such as social discriminative, economic consequences, or legal repercussions. It also coaxes more truthful answers, as the respondents will not fear others would judge them for their answers. This method complies with the regulation of ethics in research concerning the preservation of participants’ privacy and the lessening of risks.