Informed Consent in Research

Informed consent in research means that participants are fully informed about what a study involves before agreeing to take part. This includes details about the purpose of the research, the procedures, potential risks, benefits, and their right to withdraw at any time without penalties. Researchers must ensure that participants understand this information and voluntarily decide to participate. Informed consent protects individuals’ autonomy and rights, ensuring that they make knowledgeable choices about their involvement in research activities. It is a fundamental ethical principle in conducting research with human subjects.