Prior to collecting any information from evaluation subjects, you must obtain their informed consent.
Ideally, informed consent forms should be handed out and collected in person by trained evaluation staff. Here's why:
- Evaluation subjects may have reading difficulties or language barriers. You can read the form to them or arrange for someone to translate it.
- Evaluation subjects may have questions regarding the evaluation's purpose, procedures, and use of the collected information. It is easier to respond to questions and concerns in person. This may also lead to fewer refusals to sign the consent form and increase the number participating in the study.
Click here for a sample consent form from an MRE program.
Other Resources
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation. The Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation Glossary.
- Human Subjects Research, Protecting Human Subjects Training Health Resources and Services Administration
- Boyd, H. (2002) Making sure your electronic data are accurate: Quick tips #22. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension.
- StatPac, Inc. (n.d.). Designing surveys and questionnaires. Bloomington, MN: Author. (Web Page)