Academic Programs Overview | Course Work | Supervised Fieldwork and Advisement | Integrative Master's Project
Adult
For the purpose of implementing these guidelines, an individual 18 years of age or older.
Assent
"Assent" means a child's affirmative agreement to participate. In addition to parental permission, Federal regulations require in most instances that a child who is sufficiently mature to comprehend his/her participation in the research project be offered the opportunity to give consent. Mere failure to object should not, in absence of agreement, be construed as assent. When a written form is in use, it should contain a simple explanation of the research project, including benefits, risks, and safeguards. A copy of the assent form should be submitted with the full application form. (Please note that "assent" is equivalent to "agreement," and can be given by any participant who is sufficiently mature to do so. Compare with definition of "Informed Consent.")
Benefits
Gains incurred by any stakeholder as the result of a research project.
Child
For the purpose of implementing these guidelines, an individual 18 years of age or under.
Confidentiality
The extent to which private, personal data can be accessed by anyone other than the researchers.
Debriefing
Post-research explanations of the projects that ensure that participants fully understand what has occurred in the course of the project, including ensuring that any negative outcomes are identified and worked through.
Informed Consent
A statement by each participant that indicates that his/her participation or the participation of minors in the project is voluntary (not coerced), and that participants are aware of their right to refuse or withdraw consent without penalty. Informed consent is required from each participant who is legally, mentally, and physically able to provide it. The researcher must provide information regarding the research study in a form that can be easily understood by persons with no professional background. Consent forms must include a statement of the purpose of the research, acknowledgement that participants may terminate their participation in the project at any point with no penalty, and a statement guaranteeing confidentiality. (Please note that "informed consent" is equivalent to "permission," and must be given by someone legally able to grant such consent. In the case of an adult participant, the participant can give consent on behalf of himself or herself. In the case of a child participant, informed consent must be provided in writing by the child≠s parent or guardian. Compare with definition of "Assent.")
Participant
Anyone who is a subject in a research study.
Principal Investigator
The person who leads the research project, and who has overall responsibility for its conduct and outcomes.
Privacy
Ensuring that confidential information is not accessible to anyone other than the researchers.
Risks
Circumstances that put participants in a research study in danger of some kind of harm.
Secondary Data Sources
Data previously compiled by others that is used by the researchers.