Final answer:
An authorized representative is someone with legal authority to give informed consent for research participation on behalf of another person, such as a minor. Informed consent is essential for participant safety and autonomy, and it is overseen by an Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Step-by-step explanation:
An individual, or judicial or other body, authorized under applicable law to consent on behalf of a prospective subject to the subject's participation in the procedures involved in research is known as an authorized representative.
This entity has the legal authority to provide informed consent for someone who is unable to do so themselves, such as a minor or an individual with impaired decision-making capabilities.
In the context of research, particularly involving human subjects, informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement.
It entails thoroughly informing the participant about the research, its risks, benefits, and the voluntary nature of participation.
An Institutional Review Board (IRB) typically oversees this process, ensuring that all ethical guidelines, including informed consent, are followed to protect participants' autonomy and safety.
For research involving minors, typically, parents or legal guardians must provide consent on behalf of their children.