Final answer:
The statement that informed consent must be given voluntarily without coercion or irresistible incentives is true. Informed consent is essential for ethical research and involves participants being fully informed about the study's nature, risks, and benefits. The IRB oversees ethical practices including ensuring voluntary informed consent in research studies.
Step-by-step explanation:
For informed consent to be given voluntarily, people must not be coerced or presented with irresistible incentives. This statement is true. Informed consent is a critical aspect of ethical research and medical treatment, ensuring that participants are fully aware of the study's nature, risks, and benefits before agreeing to take part. Aspects like coercion, deception, or undue influence compromise the voluntary nature of consent, thereby making it ethically unacceptable. Historically, experts have noted that marginalized communities and vulnerable populations are more prone to exploitation due to coercive tactics. For example, certain incentives might be too appealing for individuals in dire situations, such as inmates receiving good behavior credits for study participation, which can negate the voluntary aspect of informed consent. Moreover, researchers must avoid deceiving participants about the nature of the study, such as the probabilities of receiving a certain treatment versus a placebo, to ensure that consent is based on accurate and complete information. To protect individuals, especially when children or minors are involved, parents or legal guardians provide consent. However, ensuring that consent is voluntary requires a thorough understanding of the study's parameters, free of coercion or manipulative incentives. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) oversees and ensures these ethical practices are followed, mandating that participants give informed consent before joining any experimental study.