Which concept focuses on the need for voluntary participation in research?

The concept that focuses on the need for voluntary participation in research is respect for persons. This principle emphasizes the importance of acknowledging individuals as autonomous agents and ensuring that they have the right to make informed decisions about their participation in research. It underscores the necessity of obtaining consent from participants, which means they should be fully informed about the nature of the research, any associated risks, and their right to withdraw at any time without penalty.

Respect for persons also encompasses the protection of individuals with diminished autonomy, ensuring that vulnerable populations are treated ethically and that their participation is genuinely voluntary rather than coerced. This principle is a cornerstone of ethical research practices, ensuring that participants can make choices based on their own values and interests.