Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
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.