Ethical principle of informed consent

Definition

The ethical principle of informed consent refers to the requirement that participants in a study must be fully informed about the purpose, procedures, and potential risks and benefits before giving their voluntary agreement to participate. It ensures that individuals have the right to make an autonomous decision about whether or not to take part in research.

Related terms

Debriefing:

After participating in a study, participants are provided with information about the true nature and purpose of the study, any deception used during the experiment is clarified, and participants' questions are answered.

Confidentiality:

Researchers are obligated to protect the privacy of participant's data by keeping it confidential and anonymous.

Voluntary participation: Participants should have the freedom to choose whether or not they want to take part in a study without any coercion or pressure.