Identify an example where situation and time are key in assessing risk of harm in research.

Asking women if they have had an abortion is a clear example where both the situation and the timing are crucial in assessing the risk of harm in research. This type of question can be sensitive and can provoke a range of emotional responses, as it relates to personal experiences that may involve societal stigma or personal trauma.

The context in which this research is conducted—such as cultural attitudes towards abortion, the specific demographic being surveyed, and the prevailing legal and socio-political climate—can significantly influence the participants' willingness to disclose information and their overall emotional safety. Furthermore, the timing of the survey matters; for instance, conducting this survey shortly after a significant political change regarding abortion rights could heighten anxiety or stress among participants, affecting their willingness to participate or their responses.

This sensitivity and potential for harm necessitate careful ethical consideration, which is paramount when designing research protocols involving such deeply personal topics.