Which of the following is a key element included in informed consent documents?

Informed consent documents are critical to the ethical conduct of research involving human participants. A key element included in these documents is a clear explanation of the study purpose and procedures. This information is essential as it provides potential participants with a comprehensive understanding of what the research entails, allowing them to make an informed decision about whether to participate.

By detailing the purpose of the study, participants gain insight into what the research hopes to achieve and why their participation is important. Additionally, outlining the procedures gives participants clarity on what they will be required to do, any interventions they may undergo, and how long their involvement will last. This transparency is vital for ensuring that participants can weigh the potential risks and benefits of involvement in the study against their personal circumstances and preferences.

The other options do not fit as key elements of informed consent. Discussing a participant's personal finances is irrelevant to the informed consent process and could violate privacy. The expected outcomes of the research, while informative, are not foundational to the consent; they delve into future predictions rather than the current understanding of the study itself. A list of previous participants does not serve as a necessary component in the informed consent process, as it does not provide insight into the specifics of the upcoming study or the participant’s experience.