Which of the following is a primary goal of informed consent?

The primary goal of informed consent is to ensure that participants are fully informed about the research process, including the potential risks and benefits involved. This process is essential because it respects the autonomy of participants, allowing them to make an informed decision about their involvement in the study. By providing comprehensive information about the research, participants can weigh the potential risks against the anticipated benefits, leading to a more ethical research environment.

Informed consent is not primarily focused on payment, as the intent is to facilitate understanding rather than merely incentivizing participation. Similarly, while efficient data collection and simplified protocols are important aspects of research, they do not encompass the ethical necessity of obtaining informed consent. Consent is fundamentally about participant awareness and agreement, ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the research process.