Which statement best describes information that must be included in a consent form?

The statement regarding the necessity of including a description of the research's potential benefits and risks in a consent form highlights a fundamental ethical principle in research involving human subjects: informed consent. Participants must be adequately informed about what they are agreeing to, and part of this involves understanding potential consequences.

By outlining the benefits, participants can see the value of their involvement, which may help them make a more informed choice about their participation. Equally important is the discussion of risks, as individuals need to be aware of any potential negative implications associated with the research. This transparency fosters trust and respects the autonomy of the participants, allowing them to take an informed stance regarding their participation in the study.

While contact information for the lead researcher, a list of participating institutions, and previous research outcomes might be relevant to the informed consent process, they do not address the core ethical requirement of informing participants about the risks and benefits of the specific research. Thus, they do not align as closely with the primary purpose of a consent form as the description of potential benefits and risks does.