Final answer:
Informed consent is the process of informing research participants about the study they are participating in and obtaining their consent. It is considered the cornerstone of ethical conduct because it respects participants' autonomy and protects their rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
Informed consent is the process of informing a research participant about what to expect during an experiment, any risks involved, and the implications of the research, and then obtaining the person's consent to participate. It is considered the cornerstone of ethical conduct because it ensures that participants have knowledge and understanding of the study they are participating in, and it respects their autonomy and right to make informed decisions. Informed consent also protects participants by allowing them to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty and by guaranteeing the confidentiality of their data.