Final answer:
Both statements in the question are true. Children must provide assent to participate in research in addition to their parent's or guardian's consent, and they can withdraw at any time to honor their autonomy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the ethical considerations and protocols involving research with children as participants. According to ethical guidelines, children cannot provide informed consent for themselves due to not being legally competent. Instead, their parents or legal guardians must give consent on their behalf. However, assent from the child is also necessary, which is the children's affirmative agreement to participate in research. Furthermore, children should also have the ability to withdraw from the research at any time if they choose to do so. This is to respect their developing autonomy and to align with the principle of voluntariness.
Thus, the correct answer to the question is 'a. Both statements are true'. While parents can give consent for their children, children must also provide assent to the research, and they should have the power to withdraw their participation at any point.
Informed consent is essential in research because it ensures that all participants, including children, understand the nature of the study they are part of, including any potential risks and benefits. In the context of research involving minors, assent is an ethical requirement that supports the principle of respect for developing persons and ensures that the child's welfare is being considered.