Which ethical right allows participants to decline participation in a research study?

The correct answer is the right to informed consent. This ethical right is a fundamental principle in research involving human subjects, which ensures that participants are provided with comprehensive information regarding the study's purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and their right to withdraw at any time without penalty. Informed consent emphasizes that individuals must fully understand what participation entails and have the autonomy to decide whether or not to take part in the research. This right is crucial for respecting individual autonomy and ensuring that participation is voluntary.

The right to safety pertains to ensuring that participants are not exposed to undue risk or harm during the research, while the right to quality research focuses on the necessity of conducting valid and reliable studies. The right to conflict of interest relates to transparency regarding any potential biases or competing interests of those conducting the research. However, these rights do not specifically address the ability of participants to decline participation in a study.