Question

The results from research have been known to produce harms to members of the sampled population who do not actually participate in the research study. An example of the type of research that could result in group harms by stigmatizing members of the group (even for individuals who do not participate in the research) is:
A. A study of sleeping patterns and productivity in college students.
B. A study of the types and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in small rural towns in a midwestern state.
C. A study on the effects of an innovative literacy program on absenteeism in elementary schools.
D. A study of the efficacy of a new glucose monitoring device in middle-aged women.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is: B. A study of the types and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in small rural towns in a mid-western state.

Explanation:

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a topic that has had stigma, negative stereotypes and other negative connotations attached to it throughout history. If a study investigated the types and prevalence of STIs in small rural towns in a mid-western state, along with stigmatizing participants in the study, the results of this study could also potentially stigmatize residents of these towns by extrapolating claims such as "town X in this mid-western state has high prevalence of various types of STIs". These claims might make it seem like the presence of STIs is high in a given rural town (when this in fact might be untrue), especially considering the town is small in size. In this way, a study that investigates the types and prevalence of STIs in small rural towns in a mid-western state could produce harm to members of the sampled population who do not actually participate in the research study.