What is meant by informed consent in research?

Informed consent in research refers to the process of obtaining voluntary agreement from research participants after they have been adequately informed about the nature of the study, including its purposes, risks, benefits, and their rights as participants. This process is crucial in order to respect the autonomy of individuals and ensure that they willingly engage in the research without coercion or undue influence. Participants should have a clear understanding of what their involvement entails to make an educated decision about their participation.

This concept is central to ethical research practice, emphasizing the importance of transparency and respect for participants' rights. It ensures that individuals can make informed choices about whether or not to participate, fostering ethical standards within the research community.