Why is it essential to avoid coercion in obtaining consent?

Avoiding coercion in obtaining consent is crucial because coercion undermines the voluntary nature of participation, which is a foundational principle of ethical research practices. When individuals are coerced, they may feel pressured to participate, leading to a lack of genuine willingness or informed consent. This compromises the ethical integrity of the research, as participants should have the freedom to make decisions about their involvement without external pressure or intimidation.

Ethical standards in research, such as those established by institutional review boards (IRBs) and ethical guidelines, prioritize informed consent that is truly voluntary. This ensures that participants can freely weigh the risks and benefits of their involvement and decide whether to participate based on their own values and preferences. Upholding the principle of voluntary participation fosters trust in the research process and protects the rights and welfare of participants, making it a core consideration in ethical research conduct.