The age of majority in international research is determined by the
A. Legal drinking age where the research will take place.
B. Laws in the state where the researchers’ institution resides.
C. The research sponsor.
E. Laws, customs, and norms in the area in which the research will be conducted.
Answer: E. Laws, customs, and norms in the area in which the research will be conducted.
The age of majority is legally established in international research by the laws, systems, and norms of the would-host country or the world region where the research is to be conducted. The age of majority designates that moment when an individual is given by law the criteria of being an adult and hence to provide voluntarily informed consent to participate in a research study.
International research in a particular topic by establishing the age of majority usually relies on the law, norms, and the social culture of the country or region where the research will be done. The scientists must abide by the local laws, regulations and the traditional requirements of ages and the good management of the children where ever the research happens.
Through this means the rights and the well-being of research participants will be respected and the research protocol will adhere not only to the ethical standards of local procedures but to the legal ones as well. Furthermore, it keeps the guidelines from provoking local problems or disturbing the separate rules in other countries of the world is ensured.