Informed consent should exclude which type of language?

Informed consent must be clear and understandable to ensure that participants fully grasp the nature of the research, their role in it, and any potential risks involved. The use of exculpatory language is particularly inappropriate in informed consent documents because it might seek to absolve the researcher or institution of liability or responsibility in a way that misleads participants or diminishes their rights. Such language could undermine the ability of participants to make an informed choice, as it may obscure or downplay significant information about potential risks or ethical concerns.

Informed consent should prioritize clarity and support participants in making autonomous decisions, which is why language that seeks to shield the researcher from responsibility is deemed unsuitable. Other types of language, such as inclusive, descriptive, or simple language, serve to enhance understanding and should be used in constructing informed consent documents to foster transparency and participant comprehension.