In qualitative research, what is a critical ethical consideration researchers must address when conducting interviews with participants?

In qualitative research, one important ethical consideration is informed consent. This means that researchers must clearly explain the purpose of the study, what participants will be asked to do, and any potential risks involved before they agree to take part. For example, if a researcher interviews people about their personal experiences with illness, they should ensure that participants understand they can choose not to answer any questions and can stop the interview at any time. This respects the participants' autonomy and helps build trust between them and the researcher. By prioritizing informed consent, researchers can ensure that participants feel safe and respected throughout the study.