Which of the following defines the scope of practice for a pharmacy technician?

Being responsible for the technical aspects of product preparation defines the scope of practice for a pharmacy technician. This includes tasks such as accurately compounding medications, preparing prescriptions, managing inventory, and ensuring that medication is prepared according to established protocols and standards. Pharmacy technicians are trained to carry out these technical operations effectively to support the practice of pharmacists and enhance patient safety.

In contrast, participating only in customer interactions does not encompass the full range of responsibilities and skills that pharmacy technicians are trained to perform. Providing legal advice is beyond the scope of practice for a technician, as it typically falls under the purview of licensed pharmacists or legal professionals. Similarly, conducting medical research is also not within a technician's scope, as this involves a completely different set of skills and tasks not related to the daily operations of a pharmacy. Thus, the correct choice highlights the essential technical duties that are fundamental to the role of a pharmacy technician.