What ethical principle is central to research with young adults?

• A. Deception as a standard practice
• B. Paying participants
• C. Informed consent, voluntary participation, and confidentiality
• D. Public release of data without consent

Answer: (C)

Ethical research with young adults centers on obtaining informed consent, ensuring voluntary participation, and protecting confidentiality. Informed consent means participants understand what the study involves, including any risks or discomfort, and agree to participate freely. Voluntary participation ensures they can choose to join or withdraw at any time without pressure or penalty. Protecting confidentiality means any information they provide is kept private and not shared in a way that could identify them.

These elements together respect participants’ autonomy and safeguard their well-being throughout the research process. The other options miss this core emphasis on respecting participants and protecting their rights: deception as a standard practice is not ethically acceptable, paying participants concerns about coercion or undue influence rather than a fundamental ethical principle, and releasing data without consent violates privacy and trust.