What action must researchers take if a participant withdraws from a study?

When a participant decides to withdraw from a study, it is essential for researchers to respect their autonomy and decision. This means that all collected data related to the withdrawn participant should not be used unless explicit consent is granted. This principle aligns with ethical research standards, which emphasize the importance of informed consent and the participant’s right to discontinue participation at any time without penalty.

Respecting a participant's decision not only upholds ethical guidelines but also fosters trust and integrity in the research process. It is crucial for researchers to maintain ethical standards to protect the rights and well-being of their participants, which can ultimately influence the validity and credibility of the study.

In contrast, other options, such as conducting an exit interview or replacing the participant, may not prioritize the participant's autonomy or right to withdraw. Continuing to use withdrawn participants' data without consent also raises significant ethical concerns and could potentially harm participants or skew the results of the research.