What are 'vulnerable populations' in research?

Vulnerable populations are defined as groups that may be at increased risk of coercion or undue influence in research contexts. This designation acknowledges certain characteristics that may make individuals or groups less able to provide truly voluntary and informed consent. For example, vulnerable populations may include children, elderly individuals, economically disadvantaged groups, those with certain health conditions, or individuals in dependent relationships.

These populations often face social, economic, or physical limitations that may impede their ability to make free and informed choices. Consequently, researchers have an ethical obligation to take extra precautions to protect these participants, ensuring that their rights, well-being, and autonomy are prioritized throughout the research process.

The other options do not accurately reflect the definition of vulnerable populations in research. Complete control over participation contradicts the very concept of vulnerability, while being highly informed about research ethics would typically denote a lower level of vulnerability. Lastly, individuals from high socioeconomic statuses are generally perceived as having less risk of coercion compared to those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Thus, the focus remains on those who may need additional protections due to their circumstances.