What is "informed consent" in research?

Informed consent is fundamentally a process that ensures participants understand the nature of the research they are being asked to partake in. This involves providing potential participants with comprehensive information about the study, including its purpose, duration, procedures, risks, benefits, and their rights as participants. The key element is that participants must be able to make an informed decision about their involvement, fully aware of what participation entails and without any coercion.

This process is crucial in promoting ethical standards within research practices, as it respects individual autonomy and promotes transparency. By emphasizing understanding, informed consent facilitates a trusting relationship between researchers and participants, fostering an environment where participants can voluntarily choose to engage in a study. This ethical obligation is rooted in the principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice outlined in guidelines for ethical research involving human subjects.