# Informed Consent Form (Adult Participants)

> Covers all required elements of 45 CFR 46.116. Use plain language at approximately an 8th-grade reading level.

## Study Title
[FILL IN: study title]

## Invitation
You are invited to take part in a research study conducted by [FILL IN: PI name] at [FILL IN: institution]. Please read this form carefully. Ask questions about anything you do not understand before you decide whether to participate.

## Purpose of the Study
[FILL IN: 2–3 plain-language sentences describing what the study is trying to learn.]

## What You Will Be Asked to Do
If you agree to participate, you will [FILL IN: describe procedures, instruments, duration, location, frequency]. Participation is expected to take approximately [FILL IN: time].

## Risks and Discomforts
The risks of taking part in this study are [FILL IN: e.g., minor emotional discomfort from answering personal questions; minimal risk of confidentiality breach]. [FILL IN: mitigation strategies.]

## Benefits
You may not benefit directly from taking part. Your participation may help [FILL IN: broader population or scientific benefit].

## Alternatives
You do not have to take part. If you choose not to participate, [FILL IN: describe any alternatives or simply "there is no alternative because participation is voluntary"].

## Confidentiality
Your responses will be kept confidential. [FILL IN: de-identification procedures, secure storage, who will have access, data retention period]. Results may be published, but you will not be identified.

## Compensation
[FILL IN: "You will receive $X for completing the study" OR "There is no compensation for participating."]

## Voluntary Participation
Your participation is voluntary. You may skip any question or stop at any time with no penalty and no loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

## Contact Information
- **Questions about the study:** [FILL IN: PI name, email, phone]
- **Questions about your rights as a research participant:** [FILL IN: IRB office name, email, phone]

## Consent Statement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read this form, had my questions answered, and voluntarily agree to take part in this study. I am at least 18 years old.

Participant Name (printed): ______________________________________

Participant Signature: ____________________________ Date: __________

Person Obtaining Consent: __________________________ Date: __________

---

(C) 2026 Angel Reyes / Subthesis — Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Not affiliated with OHRP or any IRB.