What must be obtained from subjects participating in a study?

Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement for participation in any study involving human subjects. It ensures that participants are fully aware of the nature of the research, including its purpose, procedures, risks, and potential benefits, before deciding to take part. This process respects the autonomy of individuals, allowing them to make an informed choice about whether to participate.

Obtaining informed consent means providing adequate information in a comprehensible manner and giving participants the opportunity to ask questions and consider their options without coercion. It is a cornerstone of ethical research as it supports the rights and well-being of participants, thereby fostering trust between researchers and the community involved.

While considerations such as parental consent may be relevant in studies involving minors, and financial consent might be relevant in certain contexts, the universal requirement across all research involving human subjects is informed consent.