What defines a vulnerable research subject?

A vulnerable research subject is best defined by their circumstances that may make them more susceptible to coercion or undue influence in research settings. This often includes groups who might face challenges due to factors such as socioeconomic status, mental or physical health issues, or other social or contextual factors that create barriers to informed consent or full participation.

In particular, individuals from marginalized or disadvantaged backgrounds might lack the same level of autonomy or access to resources, making them more vulnerable in research contexts. This vulnerability is a key consideration in ethical research practices, as it requires additional measures to protect these populations.

The other categories do not encompass the concept of vulnerability effectively. For instance, simply being unable to remember consent details does not inherently make someone vulnerable in the research sense; vulnerability relates more to the ability to make informed and voluntary decisions. Specifying an age limit without regard to health does not fully capture the nuances of vulnerability—it is not solely about age but rather about individual capacity and context. Similarly, participants from economically prosperous backgrounds would generally not be considered vulnerable, as they typically have more resources and autonomy than those from less privileged backgrounds.