Sample Consent and Assent Documents
The following table is designed to help you select the type of consent required. Please note each type of consent form is only an example. Please modify to be appropriate for your study.
Type of Project | Age of target participant | Type of Consent |
Survey with no identifying information (e.g., anonymous) | 18 years of age or older | Cover letter consent: contains all elements of consent, but does not require signature |
Study in which participants are identified but risk is minimal or less than minimal | 18 years of age or older | Adult consent |
Study in which participants are identified but risk is minimal or less than minimal | 0 to 3 years old | Parent Consent |
3 – 7 years old | Verbal Assent Script & Parent Consent | |
8 - 17 years old | Written Child Assent & Parent Consent | |
Study in which there is more than minimal risk. Risks must be identified. | 18 years of age or older | Adult Risk Consent |
Study in which participants are identified but risk is more than minimal. | 0 to 3 years old | Parent Risk Consent |
3 – 7 years old | Verbal Risk Assent Script & Parent Risk Consent | |
8 - 17 years old | Written Child Risk Assent & Parent Risk Consent |
Each consent form must be on Â鶹ÊÓƵappÏÂÔØ letterhead, include a statement about participants rights as a human subject, and contain the 8 elements of consent (unless a specific element does not apply to your study; explain why the element does not apply in your application for IRB approval).