The Purpose of the Study should b e a clear and accurate statement of the scientific purpose/objectives of the research.
The Purpose of the Study statement helps the subject assess the importance of the study relative to individual values. The statement should include not only the immediate purpose of the study, but also any larger, eventual purpose.
The Purpose of the Study portion of the Consent Form should not reflect a potential benefit to the subject or be directed toward the subject in any way. For example, “the purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of exercise A to exercise B as a method that can be used to increase quadriceps muscle” is acceptable. However, a statement, “the purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of exercise A to exercise B as a method that can be used to increase your quadriceps muscle” is unacceptable.
If the study involves deception or the withholding of information as a necessary and justifiable research strategy, the Purpose of the Study statement should be written in such a way whereby the least possible deception and/or withholding of information occurs.
Sharon N. Obasi, Ph.D., Director of Research Integrity
308-865-8225
obasis2@unk.edu
Dr. Joan Blauwkamp, IRB Chair
blauwkampj@unk.edu
Dr. Chris Waples, IRB Vice Chair
waplescj@unk.edu
Sakiko Machida, IRB Coordinator
308-865-8496
machidas@unk.edu