Which of the Following Activities Constitutes Engagement in Research?
How do we know for sure about how anything happens in the world? And the answer can’t be because they are supposed to happen this way.
It’s through research!
Once a scientist or anyone capable of conducting research on something can observe, theorize, and eventually prove it through tests, we can truly know for sure how it works.
This is because proof trumps hypotheses! And this is also why engaging in research is so important.
But which of the following activities constitutes engagement in research? That is exactly what I am going to discuss with you today.
Which of the Following Activities Constitutes Engagement in Research?
- Informing prospective subjects about the availability of research.
- Obtaining informed consent and conducting research interviews.
- Obtaining subjects’ permission for researchers to contact them.
- Providing potential subjects with written information about a study.
Well, the right answer is actually b) Obtaining informed consent and conducting research interviews.
This is because it would be unethical to research without asking for the participants’ consent first.
And after they consent, being well aware of all the methods, benefits, goals, and risks of the study, they can be interviewed to further the research.
Moreover, these participants will always be capable of leaving or stopping the study at any given time.
Why Is Informed Consent So Important?
Having the informed consent of any participant while conducting research is vital for multiple reasons, which I will explain in a moment.
Ethical Concerns
People have the right to decide their path in life and choose whether they want to do something or not.
And not making sure they have this right is unethical! Whether you are a researcher or not, you can’t make people do something against their will.
Otherwise, it’s unethical!
And this could also be illegal in some cases! So the rights of people should be respected when they are participants in any research.
While taking interviews, the researchers need to make sure that they respect the autonomy of these participants.
This is also to make sure that the participants are not seen as mere subjects but as independent people who can make their own choices.
Protecting the Welfare of Participants
Informed consent lets a participant in any particular study know what they are up against and be aware of all the information they need to know to make an informed decision.
It’s much safer!
When someone knows the possible benefits and all the risk factors of a study before participating, they can protect themselves from any physical or even mental harm.
This is because the participant can decide if the research could potentially harm their health in any way.
Also, the participant will be able to determine whether the study will fit their own goals and values.
Trust and Transparency
Informed permission by the participants allows researchers to have more open conversations with said participants.
And this builds trust, transparency, and a good working relationship among them.
Regulatory and Legal Compliance
As I have already told you about this, not having someone’s content can be not only unethical but also illegal.
Many ethics committees and research institutions want written proof of such informed consent to steer clear of any illegal activities.
Respect and Rights of Participants
As you should know, people are to be respected, and so are their rights. So if researchers do get their consent, the participants can individually keep their dignity intact.
And they can easily call it off whenever they want to or need to.
Final Words
Which of the following activities constitutes engagement in research? The right answer is obviously, “Obtaining informed consent and conducting research interviews” to keep both the participants and researchers safe.
