Qualitative research helps us understand phenomena that cannot be precisely measured with numerical data. To generate the data needed for informative qualitative findings, researchers ask human research participants (HRPs) to disclose private information or provide physical samples.
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This includes information, such as medical history, historical accounts of personal events, private opinions, or other verbal facts. In some cases, physical DNA samples might be collected. When an individual agrees to participate in a qualitative inquiry and provide their data *1, they make themselves vulnerable to the actions of the researcher.
Researchers should remain cognizant that the rights of HRPs are no less important than the goals of qualitative inquiry. The researcher-participant relationship should be based on honesty, trust, and respect, and the PHRP training informs on how these characteristics can be established.
Many research activities involve human participation, so researchers might wonder if they need to abide by the principles in PHRP. Typically, HRPs are used when an individual or group gathers coded private information or specimens that either can be linked to living individuals or which were collected for the specific purpose of research. Research that is not considered as using HRPs are situations in which the coded information or specimen was collected for other purposes, or when the researcher cannot link this information to an individual. *2
Risk to HRPs in qualitative studies include physical, psychological, social, legal, and economic. One way to minimize the risk posed by a research project is to acquire the informed consent of HRPs. Consent should inform the participant about the purpose, risks, and potential benefits of the research. HRPs consent must be fully voluntary (not influenced by the researcher or another person). *3
The HRP must also be able to comprehend their consent. Consent should be considered as an on-going process; the participant does not waive their rights when signing a consent form, but retains the right to withdraw their consent at any time during or after the study. *4 The consent process may be completed through a written form, an oral presentation, a video presentation, or by providing educational materials following the completion of participation.
The U.S. Department of Health and Services requires that the researcher disclose the following to the participant:
1.The purpose of the study
3.Potential benefits to the individual or others
Alternatives to the research protocol
The extent of confidentiality protections for the individual
Compensation in case of injury due to the protocol
Contact information for questions regarding the study, participantsʼ rights, and in case of injury
The conditions of participation, including right to refuse or withdraw without penalty *5