What You Need to Know to Participate
This document provides information to help you decide whether to join this research study. It is important you understand the responsibilities, risks and benefits of participating.
Informed Consent Form
Title of Study: [Insert Study Title Here]
Principal Investigator: [Insert Name and Contact Information]
Co-Investigators (if applicable): [Insert Names and Contact Information]
Institution: [Insert Institution Name]
Purpose of the Study
You are being invited to participate in a research study. The purpose of this study is to [insert purpose in simple, clear language, e.g., “investigate the effects of X on Y”]. Your participation is completely voluntary.
Procedures
If you agree to participate, you will be asked to:
• [Describe the activities participants will undertake, e.g., “complete a survey,” “participate in an interview,” “undergo a physical examination.”]
• The total time required for your participation is approximately [insert time].
Risks and Discomforts
There are [describe risks or state “minimal risks”] associated with your participation. Potential risks include [list specific risks or discomforts, e.g., “emotional discomfort,” “fatigue”]. If you experience discomfort, you may withdraw at any time.
Benefits
Participation in this study may [describe benefits, e.g., “advance understanding of X”]. You may not receive any direct benefits from participation.
Confidentiality
Your personal information will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law. All data collected will be [describe how data will be stored, e.g., “stored securely on password-protected devices”] and only accessible by the research team. Results will be reported without identifying individual participants.
Voluntary Participation
Participation in this study is entirely voluntary. You may refuse to participate or withdraw at any time without penalty or loss of benefits.
Compensation (if applicable)
[State compensation details, e.g., “You will receive a $10 gift card for participating.”]
Contact Information
If you have questions about the study, please contact:
[Insert Researcher’s Name and Contact Information]
If you have concerns about your rights as a research participant, you may contact:
[Insert Contact Information for Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Ethics Committee]
Consent
By signing below, you confirm that you have read and understood this consent form, have had the opportunity to ask questions, and agree to participate in the study. You will receive a copy of this consent form for your records.
Participant’s Name (Printed): _______________________________
Participant’s Signature: ___________________________________
Date: _______________
Researcher’s Name (Printed): _____________________________
Researcher’s Signature: __________________________________
Date: _______________