Erica Online

Questionnaire Cover Letter

If the study requires that subjects complete a questionnaire, ordinarily a consent form is not required. Instead, begin the questionnaire with a cover letter which includes the following information:

  1. Purpose of the research
  2. Rationale, why the research is important, and how information will be used
  3. Contact person for questions and affiliation of that person
  4. IRB Statement
  5. Confidentiality
  6. Return of the survey serves as consent
  7. Time it will take to complete survey
  8. In the case of sensitive questions, add a statement saying the respondent can omit any question they prefer not to answer
  9. Appreciation for participation

A copy of the questionnaire, including these explanatory statements, must be submitted to the IRB office for approval.

If the study involves interviewing subjects, each subject must be given a brief written explanation of the study and its purpose which shall include a statement that participation in the study is voluntary. If the subject agrees to participate, the explanation must be signed. A copy of the statement must be given to the subject, and the investigator must keep a signed copy.