In research ethics, minimal risk means

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Minimal risk means the chance and level of harm or discomfort in a study are no greater than what people normally experience in everyday life or during routine medical or psychological tests. This standard helps ethics boards decide whether a study can proceed with minimal safeguards or needs more oversight. It acknowledges that some minor discomfort or inconvenience can occur, but nothing beyond what is commonly encountered in daily activities. For example, simple survey questions or standard noninvasive measurements like a routine blood pressure check typically meet this threshold. Remember, minimal risk isn’t about zero risk or only privacy concerns; it encompasses physical, psychological, and privacy-related risks. If a procedure would involve more than minimal risk, it requires stricter review and protections.