Other states, in the case of medical research, mandate that a more stringent standard is applied -- that of the reasonable person standard (Edwards 2008). In other words, would a reasonable person consider the nature of the research ethical and acceptable? This seems fairer -- but is also more intensely subjective. And when conducting research in a different cultural context, it may be difficult for the researcher to evaluate the subject's conception of justice within the subject's own culture.

When research is performed upon minors or patients whose lucidity may vary from day-to-day, a medical surrogate may be legally required or advisable, in terms of giving consent for the use of research. Confidentiality at all times should be respected for minors and adults alike. The patient must, to the maximum of his or her ability, be able to understand his or her situation and the implications of the benefits and...
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