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Information for Socio-Behavioral Research Volunteers

What Questions Should I Ask Before I Agree to Participate in Socio-Behavioral Research?
Before participating in a socio-behavioral research project (which does not include medical interventions), you will need to make an effort to know as much about the research as possible. You could use the following questions as a guide when you are discussing your participation with the research staff and/or your family/friends.

  • Who is responsible for conducting this research? Who are the responsible investigators?

  • Who is the sponsor of the research?

  • What is the purpose of the research?

  • How much previous research has been done on this topic?

  • How do I know if I am eligible to participate in this research?

  • How do I know if I should not participate in this research?

  • What will happen if I decide to quit?

  • What will happen if I don’t want to answer certain personal questions?

  • What is being done as part of the research?

  • What are the potential risks and inconveniences of this study?

  • Can I participate in more than one research project at a time?

  • Will my participation in this research be confidential?

  • Are there any sensitive questions about my personal history or behavior?

  • Will my name be in the research records?

  • Will someone going over the research records be able to recognize who I am?

  • Who has access to the research records? Are there special considerations to protect my privacy?

  • What are the benefits of this study?

  • Would I benefit directly from volunteering to participate?

  • Will I receive any kind of compensation as a result of participating in the research?

  • Are there benefits to other people in the future as a result of this research?

  • Will I need to cover any of the costs of the research myself?

  • Will my insurance company need to cover any of the costs of the research?

  • Will information or results from the research be used for commercial gain?

  • Who can I contact if I have questions about the research?

  • Who can I contact if I have questions about my rights?

  • Has an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved this research?

  • Is there a written consent document for this study? If so, how do I get a copy of the consent document?

  • Will the results of this research be shared with me?