In research, what is meant by "active consent"?

Active consent refers to the requirement that participants provide explicit agreement to participate in a study, typically through a signed consent form. This process ensures that participants are fully informed about the nature of the research, any potential risks, and their right to withdraw at any time without penalty. By obtaining written consent, researchers can confirm that participants understand their involvement and the study's requirements, thus reinforcing ethical standards in research.

This method is essential for safeguarding the autonomy of participants and ensuring that they are not only aware of what they are agreeing to, but that they have actively chosen to participate. Written consent captures this clearly, making it a robust form of documentation that can help protect both the participants and the researchers if any questions about the consent process arise later on.