Which group is NOT typically classified as a vulnerable population in research ethics?

Which group is NOT typically classified as a vulnerable population in research ethics?

• A. Pregnant women
• B. Prisoners
• C. Healthy college students
• D. Neonates

Answer: (C)

Vulnerability in research ethics refers to groups that may have diminished ability to protect their own interests or who are more susceptible to coercion, exploitation, or undue influence. Pregnant women are protected because decisions affect both the mother and fetus, requiring extra safeguards; prisoners face power dynamics in a confinement setting that can pressure participation; neonates cannot consent and rely entirely on guardians to protect their interests. Healthy college students, while they should be treated with the same respect for consent and safety as any participant, generally have full decision-making capacity and are not inherently at higher risk of coercion or exploitation, so they are not typically classified as a vulnerable population.

Vulnerability in research ethics refers to groups that may have diminished ability to protect their own interests or who are more susceptible to coercion, exploitation, or undue influence. Pregnant women are protected because decisions affect both the mother and fetus, requiring extra safeguards; prisoners face power dynamics in a confinement setting that can pressure participation; neonates cannot consent and rely entirely on guardians to protect their interests. Healthy college students, while they should be treated with the same respect for consent and safety as any participant, generally have full decision-making capacity and are not inherently at higher risk of coercion or exploitation, so they are not typically classified as a vulnerable population.