Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
consent form is useful, if for no other reason than to express a researcher's
expectations for the project and the provision of details on the topic being
researched. Depending on the study, it can also be an opportunity to explain
why the research is being conducted and to provide some autobiographical
information about the researcher or research team. Another reason for having
an informed consent form is to explain what is expected of participants and
to indicate that participating in the research is consider to be giving “consent”
to use a participant's responses. In short, the informed consent protects the
researcher.
Likewise, informed consent is meant to protect the study participant.
Participants may assume and expect that communication is private. They
may also have certain expectations about how the data will be used and
whether or not their particular words will be used in any publication.
Researchers often include statements that indicate that a participant's
contribution in their study obliges him or her to protect the participant's
biographical anonymity.
The reasons the preceding obligation is important may not always be read-
ily apparent. If study participants are drawn from the internet and include
individuals from other cultures, there may be cultural taboos that could
impact a participant. For example, if a study includes a discussion about cer-
tain sexual activities or inclinations, a particular culture may have taboos that
could negatively impact a participant. This problem is compounded by the
fact that there is also a kind of perceived anonymity which may lead certain
naïve participants to greater self-disclosure. Thus, participants have a ten-
dency to feel their identity is protected and their participation feels like play.
This sense of playfulness and protected identity could inadvertently make a
participant extremely vulnerable.
The informed consent form provides both the participant and the researcher
with a mutual understanding and the opportunity to address at the beginning
of the study any questions or concerns unique to a particular project. It also
provides a suitable track record in the event of confusion arising at a later point
in a project (Nelkin, 1994). For a more extensive discussion of informed
consent and related issues, we suggest Mann and Stewart's handbook (2000).
Tips 'n Tricks
Advice for informed consent
•
Clarifies the nature of the research and the responsibilities of the inves-
tigator prior to conducting the research.
•
Uses language that is understandable and respectful of research participants.
