Researchers

Dr Rose Wiles, Dr Sue Heath, Dr Graham Crow, Vikki Charles
University of Southampton

March 2003-August 2004

Context

A number of issues impact on, and problematise, the consent process in social research with vulnerable people.

This project will identify and disseminate best practice in relation to informed consent for researchers working in the areas of childhood, youth, old age and health.

Aims and objectives

• To explore how informed consent is managed by researchers working with 'vulnerable' groups;
• To identify the impact that different methods of consent have on the research process;
• To identify and disseminate best practice to the research community and other user groups;
• To create resources for use by the research community.

Methodological aspects of importance

This study is designed to:

• improve social researchers' knowledge and understanding of informed consent
• enhance knowledge about the impact methods of consent have on the research process
• disseminate good practice in relation to research conducted with vulnerable groups for use by social researchers and user groups

Research Design

• An extensive literature review to identify current thinking and debates;
• Focus groups with social researchers and research students in six fields of study: childhood research; school-based research; youth; old age; palliative care; mental health and learning disability;
• E-mailed contributions via a web page;
• Thematic analysis of data to develop resources for use by social researchers, post-graduate students, lecturers, supervisors and user groups.

Output

Resources developed from the project will include:
An annotated bibliography; best practice guidelines; case studies.
A dissemination event will take place at the end of the project.