Informed Consent versus Implied Consent
Both are consents, so how do you know when to use each? The answer is this:
If you are collecting identifiable data from your research participants, such as names or combinations of personal data that could make it relatively easy for the researcher or someone else to identify the participant, then use the 311 Informed Consent to Participate in a Research Study (29 KB). The informed consent requires the participant to include their name and signature but because the researcher already knows the particpant, having the participant give their name does not lead to additional identification.
If you are not collecting identifiable data from your research participants, such as in an anonymous survey, then use an 304 Implied Consent Template (29 KB). The implied consent provides the participant with all of the required information about the study, but does not require them to disclose their name.
The basic principle is to maximize anonymity and minimize identifiers.
