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Which ethical principle ensures that participants understand the nature of the study?

  1. Debriefing

  2. Informed consent

  3. Protection of participants

  4. Potential for harm

The correct answer is: Informed consent

The principle of informed consent is fundamental in psychological research as it ensures that participants are fully aware of the nature, purpose, and implications of the study they are taking part in. This means that researchers must provide clear and comprehensive information about what participation entails, including the procedures involved, any potential risks, and their right to withdraw at any time without penalty. By doing so, informed consent respects the autonomy of participants, allowing them to make educated decisions about their involvement in the research. Informed consent not only promotes transparency, but it also helps build trust between researchers and participants, which is essential for ethical research practice. This principle is crucial in safeguarding participants’ rights and enhancing the integrity of the research process. Other options, while related to ethical considerations, focus on different aspects of participant rights and welfare rather than the requirement for participants to understand the study itself.