School of Psychology

Experience Excellence Studying People


Considerations for informed consent

1. Have you given the participant an oral explanation of the proposed research project?
1.1 Have you given an information sheet to the participant?
1.2 Have you told the participant that (s)he will be kept informed of all relevant information that becomes available during the course of the study?
2. Did your oral explanation to the participant include:
2.1 That it is a research project?
2.2 That participation is voluntary?
2.3 The aim of the project?
2.4 The likely duration of the participant’s involvement?
2.5 The expected benefits to the participant or others?
2.6 The procedures that will be involved in participation?
2.7 What inconvenience, discomfort, or distress may reasonably be expected for the participant: the level and likelihood?
2.8 That refusal to participate may be given without reasons and without affecting any care that may be given to the individual?
2.9 That the participant may withdraw at any time without giving reasons and without affecting any care that may be given to the participant?
2.10 That personal information will be treated as strictly confidential and will not be made publicly available or given to any other person?
2.11 That information generated by the study may be published, but that no details will be divulged from which the participant could be identified?
2.12 What activities should be avoided during or after participation (eg driving) and for what period?
3. Have you allowed the participant sufficient time to consider the matter on his/her own, to discuss with others if wished, or to ask you questions?
4. In your opinion, has the participant understood and consented to take part in this research?
5. Has the participant signed and dated the consent form?
6. If the participant is not capable of giving consent:
6.1 Has the relevant Ethics Committee agreed to this research in principle?
6.2 Are you of the opinion that this participant’s participation will promote his/her welfare and interest?
6.3 If not, is more than minimal risk involved?
6.4 Has signed, dated consent been obtained from any legal representative of the participant?
7. Is the participant:
7.1 a child over 16 and under 18?
7.2 a child under 16?
8. If under 16, has the parent or guardian’s consent been sought?

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School of Psychology - Keynes College, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NP

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Last Updated: 05/12/2011