Which practice is essential to ensure ethical treatment of research participants?

Obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality are fundamental practices in research ethics. Informed consent means that participants are fully aware of the nature of the study, what it involves, potential risks, and their rights. This ensures that they make an educated decision about their participation. Ensuring confidentiality protects participants' personal information, making them feel safe and secure in their involvement, which is vital for fostering trust between researchers and participants.

These ethical standards not only safeguard the rights and well-being of participants but also uphold the integrity of the research process itself. It's important for researchers to prioritize these practices to avoid harm and to respect the autonomy of individuals who contribute to scientific knowledge.