Final answer:
To protect individuals who cannot legally give informed consent, such as children, it is true that counselors must obtain assent. Children's parents or guardians can consent on their behalf, but ethical considerations suggest also obtaining the child’s assent. Informed consent involves fully explaining risks and benefits to ensure voluntary and informed participation in research.
Step-by-step explanation:
Counselors must obtain assent from those unable to give informed consent is true. Assent is a term used to describe a minor’s affirmative agreement to participate in research. When individuals, such as children, do not have the legal capacity to give informed consent, their parents or legal guardians can provide consent on their behalf.
However, it is considered ethical and sometimes required to also seek the child's assent as part of the process. It is crucial that informed consent or assent processes are handled respectfully and according to the appropriate regulations and ethical standards.
Before participating in an experiment, individuals should read and sign an informed consent form. This informed consent is a foundational ethical principle in research with human participants, ensuring that all risks and benefits are clearly outlined so that individuals can make an informed decision about their participation.
Potential violations of the rule requiring informed consent include misrepresenting the study parameters or offering undue incentives that could coercively influence a participant's decision.