Final answer:
Ruth Faden and Tom Beauchamp believe informed consent is an ethical requirement based on the principle of autonomy, ensuring participants have the right to well-informed, voluntary participation in research studies. The process protects against exploitation and preserves data confidentiality while maintaining participant autonomy. In cases like animal research where consent isn't possible, added precautions must be applied for humane treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ruth Faden and Tom Beauchamp's view on informed consent is that it is not merely a formal procedure but a substantive ethical requirement that reflects respect for the participant's autonomy. Their perspective on consent insists that all risks and benefits must be clearly outlined to study participants, ensuring they are fully informed of relevant aspects of the study before giving consent.
This notion of informed consent is based on the principle of autonomy, whereby individuals have the right to make decisions about their health care and participate in research studies on a voluntary basis, well-informed of all pertinent information including any risks and benefits.
Institutions often have an Institutional Review Board (IRB) that requires informed consent forms to be signed by participants or, in cases involving minors, their parents or legal guardians. This ensures participants are aware that their involvement is voluntary and can be discontinued at any time without penalty, and assures them that the data collected will remain confidential. It is a protection against exploitation and ensures participant autonomy.
As it relates to discussions about ethical research involving human or animal subjects, informed consent is a critical component of ethical research design and practice. In cases where consent cannot be given, such as with animal research, additional precautions must be taken to ensure the most humane treatment possible, reflecting a commitment to ethical standards even in the absence of consent.