Which term describes research participants being given information about the potential risks and benefits of a study?

Informed consent is the process through which research participants are provided with comprehensive information about a study, including any potential risks and benefits associated with their participation. This exchange ensures that individuals can make knowledgeable decisions about whether or not to take part in the research. It is a foundational ethical principle in research involving human subjects, as it respects the autonomy of participants by allowing them to weigh the implications of their involvement. This principle requires that the information is conveyed in a clear and accessible manner, enabling participants to ask questions and receive adequate answers before deciding to consent to the study.

Debriefing occurs after the study has concluded, providing participants with additional information about the research process and outcomes. Assent refers to the agreement of participants who may not be able to provide full informed consent, typically minors or individuals with cognitive impairments. Confidentiality pertains to the assurance that participants' personal information will be protected and not disclosed without their consent. Each of these concepts plays an important role in ethical research practices, but it is informed consent that directly describes the process of informing participants about risks and benefits prior to their involvement.