In order for consent to be voluntary, which must occur? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. The subject must sign a consent form.
b. The subject cannot be mentally incompetent.
c. The subject cannot be shamed, forced, or cajoled into participation.
d. The subject cannot be paid (remunerated), because this would be coercive.
e. The researcher must confirm that the person signing the consent form truly understands what the research will involve.

Answer 1

ANS: C, E
Voluntary consent means that the prospective subject has decided to take part in a study of his or her own volition without coercion or any unique influence. Voluntary consent is obtained after the prospective subject has been given essential information about the study and has shown comprehension of this information. In some studies, the consent form may be replaced by oral consent or the consent form may be used but the subject's signature is waived. A person who is mentally incompetent or incapacitated may be a research subject, but his or her legal representative must consent for participation. If an individual is judged incompetent and incapable of consent, the researcher must seek approval from the prospective subject and his or her legally authorized representative. It is the researcher's responsibility to confirm that the person signing the consent form truly understands what the research entails. Sometimes nursing studies have included a small financial reward of $10 to $30 or support for transportation to increase participation, but this would not be considered coercive.