Informed consent must include information about which of the following?

Informed consent is a critical ethical requirement in research, aimed at ensuring that participants are fully aware of what participation entails. The nature of the research and any risks involved is essential information that must be communicated to participants. This ensures that they can make an informed decision about whether to participate in the study. Participants have the right to understand what the research involves, the procedures, the potential risks, and benefits, so they can weigh these factors against their willingness to participate.

Providing clarity about the nature of the research allows participants to understand the objectives, methodology, and expectations involved. Likewise, disclosing potential risks is equally crucial, as it informs participants about any physical, psychological, or social risk factors that might be associated with their involvement in the study. This transparency reinforces the principle of autonomy, enabling individuals to make choices that align with their interests and welfare.

On the other hand, while the researcher's personal motivations, the number of participants in the study, and the funding sources may have their relevance, they do not directly contribute to a participant's understanding of the immediate implications or risks associated with their decision to participate. Therefore, they do not fulfill the fundamental requirement of informed consent as effectively as detailing the nature of the research and associated risks does.