Which of the following describes a primary concern regarding the use of prisoners in research?

The primary concern regarding the use of prisoners in research is rooted in the potential for coercion. Individuals in prison are in a vulnerable situation, and due to their confined environment and lack of autonomy, they may feel pressured to participate in studies, believing that their participation could lead to favorable treatment or improve their circumstances. This potential for coercion undermines the principle of voluntary informed consent, which is crucial in ethical research practices.

While the potential for research with prisoners to yield meaningful societal benefits exists, it does not diminish the ethical implications of coercion in the context of research participation. Moreover, while all research subjects, including prisoners, should always understand the risks involved, this understanding may be compromised in situations of coercion. Finally, prisoners are not outside the jurisdiction of ethical review; in fact, their research is subject to strict ethical scrutiny and oversight to protect their rights and welfare, which further highlights the importance of addressing the issue of coercion.