Parental notification, in lieu of active parental permission, is allowed when:

a. The researcher anticipates a low response rate.

b. An IRB has approved a waiver of the requirement for parental permission.

c. The researcher has conducted a similar study at another institution.

d. The superintendent of schools and the principals have approved the study.

b. An IRB has approved a waiver of the requirement for parental permission

Explanation:

The IRB (Institutional Review Board) could waive the requirement for parental permission which falls under informed consent if it is determined that the research does not pose more than minimal risk, is approved by state and local government and it could not practicably be carried out without the waiver or approval.

The answer is B - An IRB has approved a waiver of the requirement for parental permission

Explanation:

IRB is the Institutional Review Board, it is an ethics committee that protects the rights of human subjects used in research. As part of their ethics they require parental permission for minor subjects who are not old enough to make decisions themselves. However, they can require a waiver of the requirement of parental permission when the parents have been notified. The act of the IRB waiving parental permission can be acceptable when there is minimal risk involved in the research. A waiver means voluntary surrender of one's right.