Which of the following defines 'withdrawal rights' in psychological studies?

Withdrawal rights refer to the ethical principle that grants participants the autonomy to discontinue their involvement in a research study at any moment without facing consequences. This is crucial in psychological research, as it ensures that participants are not coerced into continuing in a study and can freely choose to stop if they feel uncomfortable or wish to withdraw their consent.

This principle reflects respect for participants' rights and well-being and helps maintain ethical standards in research. It is particularly important in psychology, where studies might involve sensitive topics or emotional reactions. Allowing for withdrawal ensures that participants can prioritize their own mental health and personal boundaries throughout the research process.

Other options highlight scenarios where participants might be compelled to remain in a study or have limitations on their ability to withdraw, which contradicts the fundamental ethical principle of informed consent. This underscores the importance of upholding withdrawal rights in psychological research.