Research/evaluation design: consent
Consent is the mechanism through which respect for participants is put into practice. This section of the Iris Ethics Knowledge Base covers the consent requirements in NS Chapter 2.2 (general requirements) and NS Chapter 2.3 (qualifying or waiving conditions), including the information participants must be given, how to present that information accessibly, withdrawal, and the circumstances in which consent may be modified, waived, or replaced with an opt-out approach.
Don't see what you're looking for? Check the full directory of articles.
General consent requirements
The foundational requirements for consent under the National Statement, including the different types of consent and how consent may be expressed.
Information required
What participants must be told before consenting, and how to build a participant information and consent form.
Plain language, Easy English and Easy Read
Choosing and testing the right communication approach for participant materials.
Withdrawal of consent
What "withdraw at any stage" does and does not guarantee, and how to document it.
When consent can be modified
Limited disclosure and deception, and when a review body may approve them.
When consent can be waived
The conditions under which the requirement for consent may be waived entirely.
Consent in different contexts
Panel research, organisational settings, capacity, and other specific contexts.
Participant Information and Consent Forms
A practical guide for evaluators, researchers, and ethics committee members.