This form is used to obtain consent for interviews conducted as part of a research or school project.
It ensures that interviewees understand how their information will be used and provides them with the option to control various aspects of the interview process.
Project details
Provide a summary of the project so that the interviewee has a clear understanding of the context and purpose.
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Project Title | |
| Course/Study # | |
| Location | |
| State | |
| Date | |
| Faculty/Sponsor | |
| Project summary |
Here’s an example of the Project Details table for a class project on environmental changes in local communities:
| Project title | Community responses to urbanization |
|---|---|
| Course/Study # | ENV-202 |
| Location | Springfield, Clark County |
| State | Ohio |
| Date | October 5, 2024 |
| Faculty/Sponsor | Dr. John Smith, Department of Environmental Studies |
| Project summary | This project aims to explore how urbanization is affecting local wildlife and vegetation in Springfield. The interview will gather insights from local community members. Recordings will be stored confidentially and only anonymized data will be shared publicly in the final report. |
Project summary
This section provides a brief explanation of:
- Project goals: Explain why the interview is being conducted.
- Sponsor/Faculty information: Include the names of the sponsoring faculty or organization involved.
- Use of interview data: How will the data (interview recording, transcript, etc.) be used? Will it be part of a report, presentation, or archived for future research?
- Confidentiality: Clarify what information will remain confidential (if any) and whether personal details like names will be used.
- Disposition of notes/recordings: Explain where the interview data (e.g., notes, audio, video) will be stored, whether it will be archived, and if it will be publicly accessible.
Example summary:
“This project is sponsored by the Department of Sociology at [School Name] and aims to explore the impact of urbanization on local wildlife. The interview will be recorded and transcribed. All names will remain confidential unless permission is given to disclose them. The recordings and transcripts may be stored in the school’s digital archive for future research.”
Interview permissions
Below is a table where interviewees can indicate their consent for different aspects of the interview. It’s crucial to give them control over how their information will be used.
| Consent statement | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| I give my permission for this interview to be audio/video recorded. | [ ] | [ ] |
| I consent to my name being used in connection with this interview. | [ ] | [ ] |
| I agree that the recording/transcript can be stored or archived for future use. | [ ] | [ ] |
| I allow the information from this interview to be made public. | [ ] | [ ] |
Why these permissions matter:
- Recording the interview: Allows for accurate documentation and ensures the interviewer can refer back to the conversation. If the interviewee says “no,” alternative note-taking methods should be used.
- Name usage: Some interviewees may prefer anonymity, while others may not mind having their names associated with the project. If they agree to this, their name could be credited in the final report.
- Archiving the interview: This could be useful for projects that are part of larger studies. Future researchers or students might use this data if permission is granted.
- Public access to the interview: This covers whether the interview will be published or shared beyond the immediate project. Examples include publishing the interview on a school website or in academic journals.
Example:
If an interviewee is okay with being recorded but wants their name to remain anonymous, the interviewer should take note and ensure this preference is respected in any reports or publications.
Example of consent form use
Here’s how the consent form could be used in a real-world scenario:
- A high school student is conducting interviews for a project on local businesses’ responses to economic changes.
- The student provides the interviewee (a business owner) with a consent form explaining the project and how the data will be used.
- The interviewee agrees to the recording of the interview but prefers that their name not be made public.
- The interviewer then records the conversation and anonymizes the interviewee’s name when writing the final project report.
Signatures and acknowledgement
The signatures section ensures that both parties (interviewer and interviewee) agree to the terms outlined. This protects the interviewee’s rights and ensures that the interviewer follows ethical standards.
| Signature section | Space for signature |
|---|---|
| Signature of interviewee: | ________________________ |
| If under 18, signature of guardian: | ________________________ |
| Signature of interviewer: | ________________________ |
| Date: | ________________________ |
Why signatures are important:
- Legality: Signatures help formalize the agreement between the interviewee and interviewer.
- Protection: This document can serve as a legal record that the interviewee gave informed consent.
- For minors: If the interviewee is under 18, it’s essential to have a guardian’s signature to comply with legal requirements.
Contact information
It’s essential to provide clear contact information so interviewees can ask questions or raise concerns.
All questions regarding this project can be directed to:
- Contact person’s name:
- Phone number:
- Email address:
Tips for adapting the form
When customizing this form with your teacher or school, consider the following:
- Adjust the project summary to clearly communicate the intent of your specific project.
- Customize the permissions section if your project has specific needs (e.g., written consent only, no public sharing).
- Use simple language when explaining the project to ensure all participants understand.
What you should notice when using a consent form
| Key Point | What to Notice |
|---|---|
| Clarity of language | Ensure the form uses simple, straightforward language. Test it for clarity. |
| Comprehensive project summary | Check if the interviewee understands the project’s purpose and their role. |
| Informed consent | Confirm the interviewee fully understands what they are consenting to before signing. |
| Privacy and confidentiality | Make sure the interviewee knows if their identity will remain confidential or if they’ll be named. |
| Flexible permissions | Ensure the interviewee can easily opt out of any part of the consent (e.g., using their name). |
| Legal requirements | Obtain guardian signatures for minors and ensure compliance with institutional guidelines. |
| Keeping a copy | Ensure both parties have copies of the signed form for reference. |
| Respecting wishes | Double-check consent right before the interview starts, and respect any changes in preference. |
| Addressing questions | Offer time for the interviewee to ask questions and address any concerns before proceeding. |
| Form updates | Revise the form as needed based on feedback or changes in the project. |
Final thoughts
Consent forms are a fundamental tool for ensuring ethical practices in any research or school project involving interviews.
They not only protect the privacy of participants but also ensure that all parties understand the process and have clear expectations.
By thoughtfully adapting the consent form, students and teachers can conduct interviews with professionalism and respect, ensuring that the rights and preferences of interviewees are prioritized throughout the research process.