Would you agree to buy a car without seeing it or knowing anything about it? More than likely, you would not buy such a car without knowing more about it. Once you had more information, you would be able to make an intelligent, informed decision. Well, participants in research studies cannot make an intelligent, informed decision on whether they wish to participate unless you give them enough information to make such a decision. The way you do this is through an informed consent form. The purpose of the informed consent form is to provide participants with the general nature of their task and describe any risks or benefits of their participation. The informed consent form below is a good model to use. The only thing that really changes is the second paragraph.

You (print your name:) ____________________, agree to participate in the study under the direction of [Experimenter Name Here] to be conducted through Valdosta State University. You understand that the time to complete the study will be xx-xx min. 

A one to three sentence section would go here. Remember, your goal is to provide participants with information regarding the nature of the task they are going to complete. For example:

You understand that the purpose of this study is to examine the perceptual skills of people. You also understand that in order for the researchers to examine this topic you will be asked to complete to read a scenario of a physical assault, answer a questionnaire about the events that occurred in the scenario, and complete two surveys.
          Note: The above description is presented in italics to indicate an example; your description would appear in "normal" text.

You understand that there are no known risks involved in your participation in this study.  If you need to talk to someone about your experiences at Valdosta State University, then you can call the Counseling Center at 229-333-5940. You understand that every effort will be made to keep your data confidential. Your responses are not identified by your name, so do not put your name on any of the materials. You may talk individually with the experimenter about the experiment if you desire. 

You can withdraw your consent and discontinue participation at any time without receiving any negative consequences. You have been given the opportunity to ask questions concerning the procedure, and any questions have been answered to your satisfaction. 

You have read and understood the above. 

Participant’s signature________________________________ Date_____________ 

I have explained and defined in detail the research procedure in which the participant has agreed to participate, and have made a copy of this informed consent form available for his or her records.

Experimenter’s signature _____________________________ Date______________