What is "assent" in research with minors?

In the context of research involving minors, "assent" refers to the process of obtaining agreement from a child participant to participate in a study, in addition to obtaining parental consent. This distinction is crucial because it emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the child's developing autonomy and ability to understand the nature of the research.

Assent is not merely an extension of parental consent; it is a separate process that allows children to actively participate in decisions about their involvement in research. This guidance ensures that researchers are respectful of the child's perspective and that they have a say in whether they feel comfortable participating. The process of obtaining assent is particularly significant when dealing with older minors, who may have a greater capacity for understanding the implications of their participation.

While other options touch on related concepts, they do not adequately capture the essence of what assent truly represents in the context of ethical research practices involving minors.