Beyond “Sign at the X”: In Pursuit of Comprehension

Ethics of Recruiting Research Subjects Through Social Media

“…To anticipate and minimize subjects automatically consenting without reading and understanding the details, researchers should design consent forms in a reader-friendly manner, highlighting the essential information in large print and short sentences, and with bullet point formatting where appropriate. Consent should not be burdened with legal jargon, complex words, or advanced-level and lengthy writing style, that serve to protect the interests of researchers and educational institutions rather than to inform the subject being recruited [Ferrigno and Sade 2017]. These factors combine to undermine adequate comprehension.…”

“…(2) detail as to what the research involves; (3) possible risks, benefits, and unknowns related to the research; (4) reasonable alternatives; (5) how the subject's information will be kept confidential, used, or disclosed for conducting research; (6) available options; (7) procedures for the subject to refuse further participation after being recruited; and (8) relevant contact information for answering questions [Beskow et al 2010]. To provide a readable and simplified consent form, a supplemental document that includes additional information relevant to the research but not essential to the requirements of informed consent may be beneficial and is recommended to enhance the overall validity of the consent process and subject's understanding to what he or she is agreeing to [Ferrigno and Sade 2017].…”