Questions to ask prior to agreeing to participate in research
- Why is the research being done?
- What will my role in the research be?
- How will I benefit from the research?
- What are the risks to participating in the research?
- What will the researcher do with my information?
- Will the research cost me anything?
- How ling will the study last?
- What happens if I decide to leave the study early?
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Human Research Protection Program is responsible by federal law for ensuring the protection of the rights, welfare, and well-being of participants involved in research studies conducted by UTK faculty, staff, and students.
The HRPP and IRB carefully reviews and monitors research to ensure that it is carried out legally and ethically.
Every research participant has the following rights:
- As a study participant, you have the right to considerate and respectful treatment; before, during and after your participation ends. As part of that respect, you have a right to know what the study is about and what you will be asked to do during your participation in the study.
- It is important that you know all options in order to freely choose whether to participate in a research study.
- If at any time you wish to withdraw from a research study you have the right to do so. If you have received medical intervention during your participation you have the right to be informed of the medical consequences of your withdrawal.
- As a participant, you may have questions even after you have given your consent. Please do not hesitate to discuss these questions with the Principal Investigator or research personnel. It is important for you to understand exactly what the study is about and why.
- You are entitled to receive a copy of the consent form you signed. Ask for this when you sign the consent form.
- It is important that you be aware of any risks from your participation and understand how the research may affect you.
- It is important for you to know about any benefits that you might receive from your participation.
- When there are alternatives to therapeutically designed research protocols, you have the right to know about them.
- You have the right to refuse to participate in research.
- You have the right to privacy concerning the information that is obtained for research purposes.
- You have the right to be told whether there are any costs associated with your participation and whether you will be compensated for participating in the study.
- You have the right to expect that all communications and records pertaining to the research will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
- You have the right to be told who to contact with questions about the research, about research-related injury, and about your rights as a research participant and to be given information regarding available treatment should you have a research-related injury.