5.+Informed+Consent

Cottrell and McKenzie (2005) explain how informed consent affects research proposals:

Unless otherwise waived by an IRB, no research study that uses human subjects can begin unless the potential participants (or their legally authorized representatives for those not competent and/or of legal age) have been properly informed about the study and agree to participate. Such action is covered by informed consent. (p. 101)

Before a researcher begins their proposal for IRB approval they need to determine if their design requires consent. Researchers out in the field recording data through observation may not need consent. For example, a researcher who wants to know if people show public displays of affection longer on departure or arrival at an airport may not need to seek consent. The ethics of a researcher’s right to observe public behavior and an individual’s right to privacy would then need to be considered (Cottrell & McKenzie, 2005). Researchers may also want to consider hiding details of the airport such as the name or city. A second consideration needed is also based on the research design. Can the research question only be answered with deception? In other words, is withholding information or misinforming the participant necessary to the research and will it be at no more than minimal risk to the participant, who will then be adequately debriefed (Cottrell & McKenzie, 2005)? Researchers should be prepared to make revisions to their design if the IRB finds that the deception puts the participant in a greater than minimal amount of risk.

Cottrell and McKenzie (2005) recommend that consent forms be organized with headings to promote comprehension and be adaptable to varying reading levels. Researchers need to expect some time may be needed to answer participant questions while they are going through the consent form. They must also consider the potential reading level of the participants.

Reference

Cotterell, R. R. & McKenzie, J. F. (2005). //Health promotion and education research methods: Using the five-chapter thesis/ dissertation model//. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC