The IRB review process begins with the recruitment of participants. Prospective participants must be provided with enough information to make an informed decision as to whether or not to participate in the study.
Recruitment material should include:
- The title of the project
- A brief description of the research; purpose of the research
- Eligibility requirements; ex. “Experienced pilots over the age of 18.”
- A realistic preview of any discomfort that may be caused by the research (Risks). (Example: “The use of the simulator in this study can cause motion sickness. The symptoms of motion sickness include, fatigue, headache, and nausea.”)
- Estimated time of involvement
- A realistic description of rewards/compensation offered for participation (if any)
Federal regulations require that specific information be contained in the consent form. Embry-Riddle’s IRB has developed a specific format for the consent form that ensures adherence to the requirements. Use of one of the examples available for download will assure compliance. The examples can be customized to support your project. Adult informed consent forms for general populations should be written at an 8th-grade level to the extent possible, so that all prospective participants can understand the elements of the research well enough to give truly informed consent to participate.
For more details on a proper informed consent form, refer to Obtaining Participant Consent.
For specially selected research populations who may be educationally disadvantaged, cognitively impaired, or even uniformly well-educated, different assumptions about the right level of complexity may be appropriate. Assent forms for minors (under 18 years of age) should be written in language that is developmentally appropriate to the age of the children. High School students should be able to understand the adult version. All research using minors require Parental Consent as well as Child Assent and require review of the full IRB at a convened meeting with the exception of anonymous surveys.
Downloadable Forms
Teri Gabriel
Teri Gabriel joined ERAU in 2006 as the Manager of the Office of Sponsored Programs. She is now the Assistant Director of Research under the direction of the University Dean of Research and Graduate Studies. She is an accomplished grant proposal writer and trainer, formally working with various local governments assisting with environmental and historical preservation projects. She was also the Executive Director for Flagler County’s Habitat for Humanity. She worked with the state’s allocation of housing funds for Flagler County and Habitat for Humanity.
Teri received her Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree in Psychology in 1995 and her Master of Public Administration degree in 1998 from the University of Central Florida.