Which groups are considered a vulnerable population in research?

Vulnerable populations in research are typically defined as groups that may be at an increased risk of coercion or undue influence during the research process. This includes individuals who may have limited capacity to provide informed consent or who may be easily exploited due to their circumstances.

For instance, children lack the full legal capacity to consent to participation in research, and prisoners may experience coercive environments where their willingness to participate could be influenced by their circumstances, such as fear of negative consequences if they refuse to participate. Therefore, these populations require additional safeguards to ensure their rights and welfare are protected.

In contrast, individuals with higher education generally have better access to information and resources, which mitigates the risks associated with coercion. Professionals in the medical field typically have knowledge and understanding of research processes, which also reduces their vulnerability. Participants involved in voluntary studies are expected to provide consent freely, without coercion, and are not necessarily considered part of a vulnerable group, as the term "voluntary" implies an ability to make informed choices. Thus, the focus on those at greater risk of coercion highlights the specific ethical considerations needed to protect these populations in research contexts.