Consider the following research proposal:
Early initiation of sexual activity is a risk factor for teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease, and is also highly correlated with drug use, delinquency, and school failure. This study seeks to understand the sexual experiences of middle school students. A letter will be sent home to the parents outlining the goals and procedures of the study. Parents who do not want their child to participate in the study can sign and return a form. Children of parents who do not return this form will be asked to complete an anonymous survey asking them to rate their frequency of specific sexual activities (kissing, petting, oral sex, sexual intercourse), the age at which they first engaged in each of these activities, and the approximate number of partners they have had for each activity.
1. What are the benefits of this study?
2. What are the potential risks to participation? How can the researcher minimize these risks?
3. What is wrong with the informed consent process? How would you change it?