Preston is interested in the impact of noise on excitability levels in teenagers. He exposes one third of his participants to music at 100 decibels (the maximum volume on many mp3 players), one third of his participants to music at 50 dB (normal conversational level), and one third of his participants to a quiet room with no sounds (0 dB). After exposing them to the noise condition for 10 minutes, he immediately measures their excitability by measuring their heart rate. What is an issue that the IRB might have with Preston's study?

The issue with Preston's study is the exposure of some participants to 100 dB, the maximum volume on many mp3 players, could damage one's hearing

Explanation:

Exposing some of the participants to maximum volume of mp3 players directly violates the standards of ethical conduct.

Over time loud sound has proven to be a means through which a lot of people loss their hearing ability. An important first step is to understand how noise causes hearing loss; Preston is expected to understand this.

Loud volume of sounds are very dangerous especially when they are too loud, even if it is just for a short time; it's even more damaging they are both loud and long-lasting. These loud volume of sounds can destroy sensitive structures in the inner ear and hearing impairments.

Having said this, sound at or below 70 dB are regarded as safe. Any sound at or above 85 dBA is more likely to damage your hearing over time even if it's for a very short time. 100 db is way much more than 70 - 85 dB and obviously, it could danger the participants