Which ethical concept requires researchers to inform participants about the study, its procedures, potential risks and their rights before participation?

• A. Informed consent
• B. Deception
• C. Debriefing
• D. Confidentiality

Answer: (A)

Informing participants about the study, its procedures, potential risks, and their rights before participation is the process of obtaining informed consent. This ensures individuals can make a voluntary and informed decision about taking part, understanding what will happen to them and what protections they have, including the right to withdraw. It goes beyond simply telling them what happens; it requires clear, understandable information so participants can judge risks and benefits and consent freely. Deception, debriefing, and confidentiality describe different ethical aspects—deception involves misleading participants, debriefing occurs after participation to reveal the true nature of the study, and confidentiality concerns how data is protected—not whether participants are informed beforehand. Therefore, the concept at play is informed consent.