What does "informed consent" involve?

Informed consent is a foundational ethical principle in research involving human participants. It requires researchers to provide prospective participants with comprehensive and clear information about the study's purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits. This detailed communication ensures that individuals can make an informed decision about their participation.

By giving participants the necessary information, they can weigh the pros and cons of enrolling in the study and voluntarily decide whether to participate. This process not only respects the autonomy of the participants but also fosters transparency in the research process, ensuring participants fully understand what their involvement entails.

In contrast, simply providing minimal information, offering consent forms without any explanation, or assuming that participants understand the study compromises ethical standards. These practices could lead to uninformed participation, undermining the integrity of the research and potentially harming participants.