Assent is defined as:

• A. Verbal confirmation
• B. Legal authorization
• C. Written agreement
• D. Parental permission

Answer: (A)

Assent is the person’s affirmative agreement to participate, expressed at a level appropriate to their understanding. It reflects the individual’s willingness, not legal permission. In practice, this is usually shown through verbal confirmation, especially with minors or individuals who can’t provide legal consent themselves. Written agreement isn’t required for assent, and parental permission is separate—it's the guardian’s consent to involve the minor, while assent is the minor’s own agreement. Therefore, verbal confirmation best matches the definition, as it captures the person’s own affirmative willingness to participate.