What type of information typically requires informed consent when collected from research subjects?

Informed consent is a crucial component of ethical research, particularly when it involves gathering information that could identify individuals or reveal private aspects of their lives. Identifiable private information collected through interviews necessitates informed consent because it poses a higher risk to participants. Researchers must ensure that subjects are fully aware of what their participation entails, including how the information will be used, to protect their privacy and autonomy.

When individuals provide identifiable information, there is a potential for breaches of confidentiality, making it essential for researchers to obtain explicit consent from participants. This consent process not only respects the individuals involved but also aligns with ethical guidelines in research, such as those outlined by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs).

In contrast, publicly available demographic information does not typically require informed consent, as it is not private or sensitive. Anonymized survey responses do not pose a risk of identification and therefore generally do not require consent. Similarly, statistical analysis of large populations does not involve individual data and focuses instead on aggregate information, eliminating the need for informed consent.