Which scenario raises the most ethical concerns regarding the autonomy of research subjects?

The scenario involving a researcher posing as a cancer survivor to join a support group raises significant ethical concerns regarding the autonomy of research subjects. This situation involves deception that can impair trust and informed consent. By misrepresenting themselves, the researcher compromises the group's ability to make informed decisions about their participation in discussions, thereby undermining their autonomy.

Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical research, requiring participants to understand the nature and purpose of the study as well as any potential risks involved. When a researcher deceives subjects by pretending to be one of them, it leads to a skewed dynamic where the participants are not fully aware of the researcher's true intentions. This can result in participants sharing personal experiences and sensitive information under false pretenses, which raises ethical questions about the validity of the consent they are theoretically giving.

The other scenarios do not involve the same level of ethical concern regarding autonomy. Distributing flyers for a study merely informs potential participants about the research without any deception. Interviewing cancer survivors in a clinical setting typically involves formal consent and transparency about the research objectives. Conducting anonymous online surveys allows participants to maintain their privacy and control over their responses, which supports their autonomy. Thus, the act of deception in the first scenario presents the most ethical issues relevant