Which of the following groups is considered vulnerable in research?

Vulnerable groups in research are defined as populations that may have limited capacity to provide informed consent or may be at increased risk of coercion or undue influence. Economically disadvantaged persons often face higher vulnerabilities due to a lack of resources, education, and access to healthcare, as well as potential coercion in decision-making related to participation in research. Their circumstances can affect their ability to make fully informed choices, making it imperative for researchers to take additional precautions to protect their rights and welfare.

In contrast, politically active individuals, middle-aged adults, and those without health issues do not inherently face the same level of vulnerability in research contexts. While anyone can experience circumstances that may influence their capacity as research subjects, the economically disadvantaged are particularly susceptible to exploitation and may have difficulties advocating for themselves in a research setting.