In informed consent, which of the following must researchers guarantee to participants?

Informed consent is a crucial ethical requirement in human subjects research, ensuring that participants are fully aware of what their involvement entails. A clear outline of risks and benefits is essential for participants to make an informed decision regarding their participation. This transparency allows individuals to weigh the potential downsides against the expected advantages they might receive or contribute to through the research.

Clear communication of risks ensures participants know what they might face during the study, including any physical, psychological, or social risks. Likewise, articulating the benefits—both to the individual and the broader societal implications of the research—helps participants understand the purpose and value of their participation. This foundational aspect of informed consent respects participants' autonomy and builds trust in the research process.

While immediate access to study results, constant communication during the study, and free choice about participation are important considerations in research ethics, they are not universally guaranteed in all informed consent structures, making the clear outline of risks and benefits the correct and essential element that researchers must provide to participants.