Script for Oral Combined Letter of Information and Parents’ Consent/Child’s Assent
My name is [researcher’s name]. I am doing a [e.g., Master’s, PhD] at Queen’s
University, in Ontario. I am here in [location if relevant] to speak to different people
about their experience with [X experience], as part of my research project. My aim is to
get a sense of what young people think about the long-term consequences of [X
experience].
To ensure that research participants’ rights are protected, my research project had to be
reviewed and cleared by the Queen’s University General Research Ethics Board to make
sure that it meets the requirements of Canadian research ethics’ principles and Queen’s
policies. [State if it also received Elder, or Band approval and/or if it meets AFN or
FNIGC First Nations Principles if relevant.]
I would like to have a conversation with your [son/daughter/ward] about [topic of
research]. It will only take about an hour. [There are some risks that you and your child
should be aware of or if there are no known risks then ignore this statement.] Your
[son/daughter/ward] doesn’t have to answer any questions they don’t want to or that
make them feel uncomfortable. Would I be able to speak with him/her now, or perhaps
later?
[If “No”: OK, thank you for your time.]
[If “Yes”: Thank you very much.]
If it is okay, I would like to use a recording device to record the conversation so I can
listen to our conversation later. I will be the only one to hear the recording. [State if
others will have access to the audio recording or if there is a duty to report to any
authority] My supervisors will have access only to written portions of our discussion that
I use in my papers. Do I have your consent to record this conversation?
[If “No”: OK, I will not record the conversation. Is it okay if I write notes on our
conversation? (if notes are unacceptable, tell the participant that his or her
[son/daughter/ward] may continue with the conversation if desired, but that it will not be
used in any specific way, for fear of misquotation or misrepresentation due to faulty
memory)]
[If “Yes”: Thank you very much. (Turn on recording device)]
I have [5 questions] to ask. Some of the things we talk about might cause your
[son/daughter/ward] to be uncomfortable. He/she can choose not to answer any question,
and he/she can just tell me if he/she would like to stop talking at any point, and we’ll
stop.
I would also like to acknowledge your [son/daughter/ward] by name. Are you ok with me
using your [son/daughter/ward] name in connection to the information he/she is
providing?
[If “No”: OK. After this interview, when I use any of the information provided by your
[son/daughter/ward] (in my thesis or other papers or presentations), I will not use his/her
name.]
[If “Yes”: Thank you. I will acknowledge your [son/daughter/ward] by name when using
the information provided.]
If at any point you or your [son/daughter/ward] decide that you don’t want a name
attached to the information provided, you can let me know, even after I leave.
I am giving you both my card so you can contact me at any point with questions or
concerns about your participation in the project. The Band Council also has my contact
information on file, and you can find it there if you lose my card. This card also includes
the contact information of the General Research Ethics Board at Queen’s University.
They can be contacted regarding any ethical concerns you may have about your
[son/daughter/ward] participation in this study. Do you understand everything that we
have discussed so far? Do you have any questions for me?
[If “No”: Explain further]
[If “Yes”: Okay, great. Do I have your consent to continue?
Child’s Assent:
[Begin speaking with minor] Do you understand that I am asking you to participate in my
research project? You have heard everything that I have told your parents, do you
understand what I would like you to do? Do you have any questions for me about this
project or about your participation in this project? Do you understand that you don’t have
to answer any questions you don’t want or that make you feel uncomfortable? Do you
understand that if you want me to stop asking you questions all you have to do is tell me
and I will stop the interview? I won’t keep any information that you don’t want me to
have. Do you mind if I record this interview? Do you want me to use your name when I
tell my story or do you want me to keep your name secret?
Okay, we are going to begin the interview. I am turning on the microphone.
[After interview:]
Thank you for your time and for speaking with me.
[To the parent(s)]
Thank you for allowing me to speak to your [son/daughter/ward].