Under what condition can subjects be recruited for a research project?

Recruiting subjects for a research project is an essential step that must align with ethical guidelines and institutional regulations. The correct answer, which states recruitment can occur after an approved protocol, emphasizes the importance of following established protocols and obtaining necessary ethics approvals prior to beginning recruitment. This ensures that the study adheres to ethical standards, including respect for persons, beneficence, and justice, as articulated in the Belmont Report.

Prior to recruitment, the research protocol must undergo a thorough review by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or similar ethics committee. This review process assesses the risk-benefit ratio of the study, the integrity of the informed consent process, and the protection of the rights and welfare of participants. Only after the protocol receives approval can researchers ethically engage potential subjects.

Other options, such as recruiting before any approvals are received, are not compliant with ethical standards and could potentially compromise the study's integrity and the safety of participants. Similarly, recruiting solely based on funding secured does not guarantee adherence to ethical practices, as ethical review and approval are fundamental regardless of funding status. Lastly, the notion of recruiting only with verbal consent undermines the requirement for informed consent, which typically must be documented to ensure that participants are fully aware of their involvement and the implications thereof