Potential harm refers to the risk or possibility of physical or psychological damage that participants may experience during an experiment. It includes both immediate harm (e.g., physical injury) and long-term negative effects (e.g., trauma).
Related terms
Risk-Benefit Analysis: Assessing whether potential benefits outweigh potential risks before conducting an experiment.
Minimization of Harm: Taking measures to reduce any possible negative consequences for participants during research.
Institutional Review Board (IRB): A panel responsible for reviewing research proposals to ensure participant safety and adherence to ethical guidelines.