When evaluating the risk of harm in a web-based survey about sexual behavior and drug use, which factors should be considered?

The focus when assessing the risk of harm in a web-based survey about sensitive topics such as sexual behavior and drug use should be on both the magnitude and the probability of harm. This is because understanding the potential impact of the data collection process involves evaluating how serious the risks are (magnitude) and how likely those risks are to occur (probability).

In this specific context, magnitude refers to the severity of potential harm that might arise from responses to the survey, such as psychological distress or the risk of disclosing sensitive information. Probability addresses how likely it is for participants to experience that harm. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of risks must consider both of these dimensions to adequately protect participants and ensure ethical standards are upheld throughout the research process.

The other factors mentioned in the other choices—while they may have relevance in different aspects of survey design or ethical considerations—do not directly address the specific risk assessment needed for sensitive topics. For instance, while anonymity and data storage are crucial for maintaining privacy, they are components of a broader risk management strategy rather than factors that specifically quantify risk in terms of magnitude and probability. Hence, focusing on both the magnitude and probability of harm aligns best with established risk assessment frameworks in research ethics.