Informed Consent

If you are proposing research that involves interacting with human participants, you must secure their consent via an informed consent form. Often, there is confusion as to when such a form is required. If your activity is "not human subjects research," you will not submit an informed consent form unless the organization where the activity is occurring requires one. 

The informed consent form represents a contract of confidentiality and ethical principles between you and your participants. Your consent materials must be clear and understandable, which means you should use non-technical, straightforward language. Specific regulations require that you present key information to facilitate understanding and ensure consent includes sufficient detail to assist an individual with making a decision regarding participation. Informed consent must be documented using a consent form approved by the IRB and signed by the participant. An informed consent form template is available in all  USU Doctoral Communities.

The informed consent form is the documentation of consent. Although the documentation of informed consent is important, the process of informed consent is where participants are protected and why the IRB Review Form requires you to include details related to the consent process in Part 2 (this is important information, so be sure this section is complete).