Social/Behavioral Research Training
(CITI) Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the main purpose of informed consent in social and behavioral research?
✔✔To ensure participants understand the study and voluntarily agree to take part.
Why must researchers protect participant confidentiality?
✔✔To prevent harm, stigma, or loss of trust resulting from disclosure of private information.
When should debriefing occur in a deception study?
✔✔Immediately after participation, once data collection is complete.
What is one ethical reason to minimize risks in social research?
✔✔To respect participants’ welfare and uphold the principle of beneficence.
What is a vulnerable population in behavioral research?
✔✔A group with limited ability to provide informed consent, such as children or prisoners.
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,Why do Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) exist?
✔✔To review and monitor research to protect human subjects.
What is considered coercion during recruitment?
✔✔When participants feel pressured or obligated to participate.
When is it appropriate to use deception in a study?
✔✔Only when no other method will achieve valid results and the deception poses minimal risk.
What does minimal risk mean in research ethics?
✔✔The likelihood and magnitude of harm are no greater than those in daily life.
Why is voluntary participation essential in behavioral studies?
✔✔Because it ensures respect for individual autonomy.
What should a researcher do if a participant withdraws from a study?
✔✔Stop collecting data from that participant and respect their decision.
2
, How can researchers protect anonymity?
✔✔By not collecting identifying information from participants.
What type of data requires extra protection under confidentiality standards?
✔✔Sensitive personal or behavioral information.
Why must researchers store consent forms securely?
✔✔To protect participants’ private information and maintain ethical compliance.
When is parental permission required in a study?
✔✔When minors are participating in research activities.
What is the role of an IRB in ongoing research?
✔✔To conduct continuing review and ensure ethical standards are maintained.
Why must researchers disclose funding sources to participants?
✔✔To maintain transparency and avoid potential conflicts of interest.
3
(CITI) Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the main purpose of informed consent in social and behavioral research?
✔✔To ensure participants understand the study and voluntarily agree to take part.
Why must researchers protect participant confidentiality?
✔✔To prevent harm, stigma, or loss of trust resulting from disclosure of private information.
When should debriefing occur in a deception study?
✔✔Immediately after participation, once data collection is complete.
What is one ethical reason to minimize risks in social research?
✔✔To respect participants’ welfare and uphold the principle of beneficence.
What is a vulnerable population in behavioral research?
✔✔A group with limited ability to provide informed consent, such as children or prisoners.
1
,Why do Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) exist?
✔✔To review and monitor research to protect human subjects.
What is considered coercion during recruitment?
✔✔When participants feel pressured or obligated to participate.
When is it appropriate to use deception in a study?
✔✔Only when no other method will achieve valid results and the deception poses minimal risk.
What does minimal risk mean in research ethics?
✔✔The likelihood and magnitude of harm are no greater than those in daily life.
Why is voluntary participation essential in behavioral studies?
✔✔Because it ensures respect for individual autonomy.
What should a researcher do if a participant withdraws from a study?
✔✔Stop collecting data from that participant and respect their decision.
2
, How can researchers protect anonymity?
✔✔By not collecting identifying information from participants.
What type of data requires extra protection under confidentiality standards?
✔✔Sensitive personal or behavioral information.
Why must researchers store consent forms securely?
✔✔To protect participants’ private information and maintain ethical compliance.
When is parental permission required in a study?
✔✔When minors are participating in research activities.
What is the role of an IRB in ongoing research?
✔✔To conduct continuing review and ensure ethical standards are maintained.
Why must researchers disclose funding sources to participants?
✔✔To maintain transparency and avoid potential conflicts of interest.
3
