In Massachusetts, what must a psychologist do before engaging in research involving human subjects?

In Massachusetts, obtaining informed consent from participants is a fundamental ethical requirement before conducting research involving human subjects. This process ensures that individuals are fully aware of the nature, risks, benefits, and purpose of the research and voluntarily agree to participate, thereby respecting their autonomy and rights.

Informed consent is critical not only for ethical considerations but also for legal compliance with regulations set forth by various institutions and oversight bodies, such as Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). This requirement underscores the importance of protecting the well-being of participants and promotes transparency in research practices.

While submitting a research proposal for approval is also a significant step in the research process, it typically occurs after informed consent has been secured, especially when seeking IRB approval. Conducting preliminary surveys without consent and limiting research to animal subjects do not align with ethical standards when dealing with human participants in psychology. Thus, the focus on informed consent is the primary and correct answer in the context of conducting research ethically and legally within Massachusetts.