Assent

Assent is an agreement to take part in research activities that may be given orally, in writing, or in the preferred communication medium of the participant. Assent to participate in research may be given following the provision of information about the project, or specific activity, but without the individual necessarily receiving a full disclosure about potential benefits, risks, and the procedures or activities of research participation, as [Page 128]would be the case for informed consent. In educational research, assent is most often discussed in relation to the involvement in research of children and young people (under 18 years old). A legal parent or guardian would typically be expected to provide fully informed consent before the child is approached for their assent. This entry describes the ...