Which two elements are essential components of informed consent?

Informed consent is a fundamental principle in ethics, particularly in fields such as research and healthcare. The two essential components of informed consent are knowledge and voluntariness.

Knowledge refers to the individual's understanding of the information necessary to make an informed decision. This includes understanding the purpose of the action being consented to, the risks involved, the benefits, and the alternatives. An individual must be adequately informed to weigh the possibilities and make a decision that aligns with their own values and preferences.

Voluntariness means that the consent must be given freely, without coercion or undue pressure. An individual should be able to make a choice without being manipulated or feeling obligated, ensuring that their decision is truly reflective of their own will.

Combining these two components ensures that consent is not only informed through adequate knowledge but also genuine through the element of voluntary choice, making B the correct choice.