Information for Research Participants

About Participating in Research

Whether you’re considering participating in research or have already agreed to be in a research study, there is some important information you should know. This page will help answer questions you may have so that you can make an informed decision.

The Office for Human Research Protection’s (OHRP) Public Outreach Website also has useful information such as short videos and links to additional resources.

Know Your Rights

As a research participant, you have the right:

• To choose whether or not to be in a research study
• To know the purpose of the research
• To know the procedures involved and to ask questions at any time during the study
• To be told about any possible risks, side effects, or problems related to the study
• To learn about any potential benefits of being in the study
• To know if there are any costs for participating and whether you will be compensated
• To know who will have access to your information and how it will be kept private
• To be told about other options available to you besides participating in the study
• To know if medical care is available and who will cover the costs if you are injured because of the study
• To leave the study at any time

How PNWU Protects Research Participants

Participating in research can be a rewarding and engaging way to support your community, but it’s important to understand that it may involve some risks. Remember, your participation is always voluntary – you can choose to not participate or stop participating at any time.

Before a researcher can begin a study involving people, a committee called the Institutional Review Board (IRB) must review and approve the research plan. The IRB exists to ensure that your rights and welfare are protected.

Informed Consent – It’s Your Choice

Taking part in research is completely your choice. You can say yes or no without pressure, and your decision won’t affect your relationship with PNWU, your medical care, or any services or benefits you are otherwise entitled to. You can also change your mind and leave the study at any time.

Before you decide, you have the right to receive clear information about the study—usually in writing. This is called an informed consent form and it should be in a language you understand. The research team must explain the study to you and answer any questions you have.

The federal government’s Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) has provided a list of questions that you should ask a researcher before agreeing to participate:

• Why is the research being done?
• What will be done to me as part of the research?
• How will I benefit from the research?
• Could the research hurt me?
• What will the researcher do with my information?
• Will the research cost me anything?
• How long will the study last?
• What happens if I decide to leave the study early?
• Whom should I call if I have a question about the research?

Print the full list of questions:
PDF – (English)
PDF – (Español)

Whom to Contact if You Have Concerns or Suggestions

If you have specific questions about a study or its procedures that you are participating in, contact the researcher using the information you were provided in the consent form. You can reach out at any time during or after the study.

If you have concerns or suggestions you prefer not to discuss with the researchers, contact the Human Research Protections office by sending an email to irb@pnwu.edu or leaving a voice message at 509.249.7852.