Consent Statements
Depending on the nature of your research, your protocol may not require a formal Consent Form.
However, please include a simple consent statement written in 2nd person voice with your application (can be delivered as a written or verbal introduction to subjects) that includes the following:
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- An introduction of yourself and your research purposes to your subjects - must clearly state that this is research conducted by Montana State University
- Contact info for yourself (lead PI) should subjects have any questions
- Contact info for the Montana State University's Institutional Review Board (use the general [email protected] email or contact info on the website). Spell out "IRB" as shown above as many do not know what it is or what it stands for.
- Explain how/where/when you plan to use subject feedback with relevant details on anonymity
or lack thereof
- Include pertinent details on data storage and future data use
- If using multimedia: Explain what types of recordings will be taken, how they will be handled/used, and how privacy will be protected.
- If using any multimedia (photos, video, recordings) make sure to have a separate area to where the participant may consent or not to the multimedia piece of your research.
- Funding Source - state when applicable.
- State this or similar phrasing: Participation is voluntary, and you can choose to not answer any questions you do
not want to answer and/or you can stop at any time.
- When students are subjects, also state: Participation or non-participation will not affect a student’s grades or class standing in any way.
- State this or similar phrasing: Proceeding with the survey/interview/questionnaire indicates your consent to participate.
- Your IRB reference # (ex: 2024-3168). This is also your reference number.