Regarding minors' consent, if the population has the capacity to decide, parental authorization is never required.

Regarding minors' consent, if the population has the capacity to decide, parental authorization is never required.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Always

Answer: (B)

Capacity to decide means the minor can understand the information and make an informed choice. In that case, the minor can provide consent themselves, and parental authorization is not required for that individual to participate. However, saying it is never required is not correct. There are still situations where parental permission is needed or where the involvement of a parent/guardian is required by law or policy, and researchers may seek the minor’s assent in addition to the parent’s or guardian’s consent. There are also contexts (like emancipated or mature minors under certain regulations) where the minor’s own consent suffices, but this is not universal.

Capacity to decide means the minor can understand the information and make an informed choice. In that case, the minor can provide consent themselves, and parental authorization is not required for that individual to participate. However, saying it is never required is not correct. There are still situations where parental permission is needed or where the involvement of a parent/guardian is required by law or policy, and researchers may seek the minor’s assent in addition to the parent’s or guardian’s consent. There are also contexts (like emancipated or mature minors under certain regulations) where the minor’s own consent suffices, but this is not universal.