What term refers to the rights of participants to leave a study at any stage, including withdrawing their results?

The correct term that refers to the rights of participants to leave a study at any stage, including the ability to withdraw their results, is "Withdrawal rights." This concept ensures that participants maintain control over their involvement in research studies, allowing them to exit without facing any penalties or consequences. It upholds ethical standards in research practices by prioritizing the autonomy and comfort of participants, emphasizing that they should not feel obligated to continue if they feel uncomfortable or do not wish to participate any longer.

While informed consent refers to the process of providing potential participants with adequate information about the study before they agree to participate, it does not specifically address the ongoing rights of participants once the study has begun. Freedom of choice emphasizes the general ability to make decisions, and participant autonomy pertains more broadly to the level of control and independence a participant has regarding their involvement in the study. However, these do not specifically designate the right to withdraw from a study at any time.