Final answer:
Implied consent is inferred from circumstances or actions, whereas informed consent in research requires explicit knowledge and voluntary agreement from participants. Ethical standards emphasize informed consent to protect participant autonomy and prevent exploitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Implied consent refers to an understanding where consent is not expressly granted by someone, but rather inferred from a person's actions and the facts and circumstances of a particular situation. However, in the context of research and medical ethics, informed consent is crucial and requires that a participant is thoroughly informed about the studies they are participating in. Informed consent includes the process of informing a research participant about what to expect during an experiment, any risks involved, and the implications of the research, to ensure that they are agreeing to participate voluntarily and with adequate understanding.
Inmates, as an example, may not feel they can truly exercise autonomy due to the power dynamics within a prison setting. This could lead to a potential violation of the required informed consent if they are agreeing to participate in studies for benefits like good behavior credits. It's imperative for participants to be made aware of all details, including if they might receive a placebo rather than the actual medication being studied.
The principle of autonomy ensures participants are protected from exploitation and participate only after giving informed consent, which is a cornerstone of ethical research.