Consider the ethics of the following research scenario:
A researcher wants to understand the relationship between horror movies and memory in teenagers. The researchers had teens ages 14 through 17 view various types of horror movies over the course of six hours (roughly 3 movies). Prior to viewing, the teens were given visual and auditory memory tasks. After viewing, they were readministered tests of visual and auditory memory. The researchers found that after six hours of viewing horror films, visual memory declined but auditory memory remained the same.
Imagine you are a member of the IRB reviewing this study before it is conducted. What issues might it have with the research?
What are the risks to the participants in the study?
Can you think of any other way that this study could be designed to reduce the risks to the participants?
