Participants need an opportunity to make an informed decision and to give their consent to take part in a research study. Research participants should be given sufficient knowledge about the nature and purpose of the research project as well any possible consequences of their engagement in it. This is generally done with a consent form. Parents or guardians of children 18 years and under should sign a consent form giving permission for their children to participate in a research study. Children 18 years and under may be asked to sign an assent form in which they agree to participate voluntarily. Special care should be taken to protect the rights of children and other individuals who may lack self-determination due to illness, disability, or other circumstances.

Students should plan to keep the signed forms in a secure place for five years after the completion of the research. They should include an unsigned sample form in the Appendix of their Independent Study.   

Consent forms should provide the following information to prospective participants:

1. A general description of the research, including its purpose, time involvement for the participant, why the participant was selected, and a description of the research process.
2. An account of any reasonably foreseeable risks or discomforts to the participant.
3. A description of any benefits to the participant or to others that may reasonably be expected.
4. A statement that the Independent Study will be housed in the Bank Street Library, where it will be available to faculty, to students, and through interlibrary loan to those beyond the Bank Street community.
5. A commitment on the part of the researcher to maintain confidentiality and a description of how that will be achieved.
6. Contact information if the participant has any questions.
7. A statement that participation is voluntary and that there will be no penalty if an individual chooses not to participate or to discontinue participation at any time.

Sample Consent Forms