Case Study:

University researchers associated with an innovative tutoring program in a school for children with physical disabilities are trying to find out whether parents of the children in the program employ special methods for encouraging the children to complete their homework. The researchers would also like to find out whether these strategies differ from those used by parents whose children do not have special needs, a group about which much is already known. The researchers propose to hold a series of focus groups, which are guided group discussions on particular topics, for parents with children who are in the tutoring program.

Although there is some risk involved for some parents - they may find it painful to talk about their special needs children and problems experienced in helping them with their schoolwork - researchers believe the benefits far outweigh this risk.

The researchers believe that parents will benefit from the generally supportive environments that will be created by the proposed focus groups. The parents will meet people coping with similar challenges and this may provide an opportunity for them to share winning strategies with each other.

How should the researchers treat the possible risk in their study?

• A: The researchers are convinced that they have created an acceptable risk to benefit balance, and that this will satisfy the requirements of the UCAIHS, so submit the study as designed.
• B: The researchers decide to offer substantial monetary compensation to induce parents to participate in this study and include this in the Application for Review.