What constitutes undue influence in the context of obtaining consent?

Undue influence in the context of obtaining consent occurs when a person in a position of power exerts pressure on an individual to participate in research in a manner that compromises the individual's ability to make a voluntary and informed decision. Making excessive offers to secure participation can create a coercive environment that skews the decision-making process. When participants are presented with benefits or incentives that are significantly disproportionate to the risks involved, it may lead them to participate for reasons that do not align with their genuine interest or comfort level, potentially undermining the ethical principles of informed consent.

In contrast, providing proper information to participants, allowing them to ask questions openly, and ensuring they feel comfortable are all practices that help promote informed consent. These practices respect the autonomy of the participants, ensure transparency, and foster a trusting relationship, which are essential components of ethical research conduct.