CITI Human Subjects Research Certification Practice Test

The requirement for obtaining informed consent is particularly crucial in research involving interventions or the collection of identifiable private information. This is because such research often poses potential risks to participants or utilizes sensitive data that could affect their privacy and autonomy.

Informed consent serves as a fundamental ethical principle aimed at ensuring that participants are fully aware of the nature of the research, the procedures involved, any potential risks, and their right to withdraw at any time without penalty. When research involves interventions—such as medical procedures, psychological experiments, or manipulation of the environment—the implications for participant safety and wellbeing are heightened, necessitating robust measures to uphold ethical standards.

Additionally, research involving identifiable private information requires informed consent to protect the confidentiality of participants and ensure that they have control over how their personal data is used. This is vital in fostering trust between researchers and participants, as well as in meeting legal and regulatory requirements governing the treatment of human subjects.

In contrast, research that does not involve interactions with participants, such as studies utilizing fully anonymous data, or analyses of public records may not require informed consent since they do not expose individuals to risks or require permission to use their information.