Tips-Electronic Informed Consent
All interview research and some observation studies ensure protection of human subjects by asking each one to sign an agreement that spells out the terms and expectations for the researcher and participant. Informed consent is the term given to the agreement between researcher and participant.
When interviews are conducted online, researchers may look for alternatives to the paper and pen form of agreement. In the CITI module (2011) used to train US researchers in Internet research ethics protocols, the click-if-you-agree type of online form is noted as an acceptable approach. Naturally, some regulatory bodies or institutions may have their own requirements for a hard signature.
If an electronic form will work in your circumstances, one way of accomplishing it is by using an electronic survey tool such as SurveyMonkey. View and adapt this informed consent agreement example.
Questions? Suggestions or examples to share? Use the comment form below.
More resources:
Hicks, L. (2011). Internet research Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative. Miami: University of Miami.
Photo credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
