What does informed consent entail?

What does informed consent entail?

• A. Participants should be told what they are letting themselves in for; if under 16 consent must be obtained from parents.
• B. Participants can be enrolled without prior notice.
• C. Consent is automatic by participation.
• D. Consent is never required in psychology.

Answer: (A)

Informed consent is about participants understanding what the study involves and agreeing to take part voluntarily. The key idea is that people should be told what they are letting themselves in for—the procedures, any potential risks, and what data will be collected—and they should be able to choose to participate freely. For participants under 16, it is standard that consent is provided by parents or guardians, ensuring that a guardian agrees to their involvement. Together, these elements respect autonomy and protect participants. The other statements don’t fit because they suggest participation can happen without prior information, or that consent is automatic simply by taking part, or that consent isn’t required at all in psychology.

Informed consent is about participants understanding what the study involves and agreeing to take part voluntarily. The key idea is that people should be told what they are letting themselves in for—the procedures, any potential risks, and what data will be collected—and they should be able to choose to participate freely. For participants under 16, it is standard that consent is provided by parents or guardians, ensuring that a guardian agrees to their involvement. Together, these elements respect autonomy and protect participants.

The other statements don’t fit because they suggest participation can happen without prior information, or that consent is automatic simply by taking part, or that consent isn’t required at all in psychology.