Children’s Understanding of Their Research Rights before and after Debriefing: Informed Assent, Confidentiality, and Stopping Participation
Hurley, J. C., & Underwood, M. K. (2002). Children’s Understanding of Their Research Rights before and after Debriefing: Informed Assent, Confidentiality, and Stopping Participation. Child Development, 73(1), 132–143.
This research study investigated the understanding of children of their rights and responsibilities in relation to participation in research. The study found that even after debriefing, young children had a hard time understanding the aims of the research study. This showed that we should be cautious about what we assume children understand when consenting to treatment, and we should take extra precautions to make sure they are protected and can withdraw their consent/assent at any time.
