Significant risk occurs not only in the selection of topic, but also in the design. For example, a study that involves interviewing middle school students who have been the victim of bullying may involve significant risk, while a study that asks administrators to describe the efficacy of existing policies on bullying may be minimal risk. For this reason, risk is assessed on an individual basis and few topics are simply deemed unacceptable.
Here are some examples, by school, of studies that could involve significant risk, depending on the design. These studies may not be appropriate for a novice dissertation researcher. If you are considering such topics, set up an appointment to consult with the IRB by emailing irb@capella.edu.
School of Education
- Research on bullying in the school system, particularly when it involves interviewing minors who have been bullied or have bullied.
- Research focused on the experiences of school-aged individuals with ADHD, Autism, behavioral issues, medical conditions, or special needs that seeks to examine psychological or medical causes or prevalence; such research generally requires training in use of psychometric or clinical instruments.
- Research involving education of minors in the prison system.
School of Business and Technology
- Research on unethical or illegal business practices.
- Research on violence or bullying in the workplace.
School of Public Service Leadership
- Research on criminal behaviors or illegal activities, particularly research involving minors.
- Research on unethical or questionable practices within state or federal agencies or within public service fields.
Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Research involving veterans, especially when it involves those who are combat-wounded or experiencing PTSD.
- Research on individuals experiencing active psychoses; such individuals may be very vulnerable and have limited capacity to consent.
- Sensitive research involving individuals who could be considered vulnerable under multiple categories. Recent examples include a study of self-harming juveniles who are incarcerated, a study of indigenous youth who have been the victims of sexual or physical violence, and a study of GLBT youth who have been the victims of violence.
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