What should be clarified to participants at the beginning of a study?

It is crucial to clarify participants' rights to withdraw from the study and their confidentiality at the beginning of a research study. This is a fundamental ethical principle in psychological research. Participants should be fully informed that they have the right to decline participation or to withdraw from the study at any time without facing negative consequences. This helps ensure that participation is voluntary and respects individual autonomy.

Additionally, assuring participants that their data will be kept confidential promotes trust and encourages honest responses. This transparency is vital for ethical research practice and helps to maintain participants' rights throughout the study. Addressing these aspects at the outset not only aligns with ethical guidelines but also helps to foster a supportive environment for the research process.