Working with vulnerable individuals (including children)

• Who must give consent if children are used in a study?

  Parents must give consent
• Which groups also require consent for participation in studies?

  Mental ill adults or elderly
• What are the ways to deal with ethical issues in research?

  • Make right to withdraw very clear
  • Provide rewards even if participant withdraws
  • Gain consent from a relevant individual (e.g., parent or carer)
  • Seek permission from an ethical committee
  • Stop study if risk of harm is too high
  • Use debriefing afterwards
• Why is it important to make the right to withdraw clear?

  To ensure participants feel safe to leave
• What should be done if a participant withdraws from a study?

  Any rewards should still be given
• Who should consent for mentally ill adults in studies?

  A relevant individual like a carer
• What is the role of an ethical committee in research?

  To grant permission for the study
• What should researchers do if the risk of harm becomes too high?

  Stop the study immediately
• What is the purpose of debriefing after a study?

  To inform participants about the study's purpose