Informed Interview Consent Form

What Is an Informed Interview Consent Form?

Informed Consent Form vs. Standard Interview Consent Form

What to Include in an Informed Interview Consent Form

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  Study Title, IRB Reference, and Institution

  The full project title, the IRB or ethics committee that approved the study (with protocol number), and the researcher's institutional affiliation.
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  Purpose of the Study

  A plain-language explanation of the research objectives. Avoid jargon — participants must be able to understand what the study is about.
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  Description of Participant Involvement

  What the participant will be asked to do, the estimated interview duration, interview format (in-person, phone, video), and topics to be covered.
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  Potential Risks and Discomforts

  Any foreseeable risks — including psychological discomfort from sensitive topics. State if risks are minimal. Per 45 CFR 46, risks must be disclosed even when they are low.
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  Benefits of Participation

  Whether there are direct benefits to the participant and describe broader benefits to the field or society. Never over-state potential benefits.
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  Confidentiality and Data Use

  How data will be stored (encrypted, password-protected), who can access it, whether responses are anonymised or attributed, and the data retention period. Reference GDPR if applicable.
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  Recording Consent

  Explicit permission for audio and/or video recording, transcription, and any further use of recordings. See our recording interview consent form for a dedicated template.
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  Voluntary Participation and Right to Withdraw

  An unambiguous statement that participation is entirely voluntary and that the participant may withdraw at any point — including after the interview — without any penalty or loss of benefits.
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  Contact Information

  Researcher email and phone, institutional contact, and — for regulated research — the IRB contact for concerns about participant rights.
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  Participant Initials Checklist + Signature Block

  Individual initials lines for each key consent element, followed by printed name, signature, and date for both participant and researcher.

How to Write an Informed Interview Consent Form

1. State the Study Title, Institution, and IRB Approval

   Begin with the full study title, researcher name and credentials, department, institution, and the ethics board or IRB that approved the research. Include the protocol approval number. This is required by 45 CFR 46.116.

2. Describe the Purpose and Procedures Clearly

   Explain what the study is about in plain language, why this participant was selected, what they will be asked during the interview, the estimated duration, and the interview format. For qualitative interview studies, describe the type of questions (open-ended, narrative, etc.).

3. Disclose All Foreseeable Risks and Benefits

   List any foreseeable risks or discomforts — including emotional or psychological discomfort from sensitive topics — even if they are minimal. State whether there are direct benefits to the participant. Do not exaggerate potential benefits. Benefits to knowledge or society should be stated accurately.

4. Explain Confidentiality and Data Storage

   Specify how participant data will be stored (encrypted device, password-protected cloud folder), who will have access, whether responses will be anonymised or attributed, and how long data will be retained before secure deletion. For EU participants, reference GDPR compliance. For dissertation research, note whether data will appear in a published thesis.

5. Include the Voluntary Participation and Withdrawal Statement

   State explicitly that participation is entirely voluntary, that declining or withdrawing will have no negative consequences, and that the participant may stop the interview at any time. Under 45 CFR 46.116 ↗, this statement is a mandatory element of informed consent.

6. Add an Initials Checklist and Signature Block

   Include an initials checklist where the participant acknowledges each key element of the consent. End with printed name, signature, and date fields for both the participant and the researcher. For research involving minors, add a separate parent or guardian signature line.

Informed Interview Consent Form — Sample Text

INFORMED INTERVIEW CONSENT FORM

Study Title:    [Insert Full Study Title]
Researcher:     [Name], [Credentials], [Department]
Institution:    [Institution Name and Address]
Ethics Approval:[IRB / Ethics Board Name], Protocol No. [XXXXXX]
Contact:        [researcher@institution.edu] | [Phone Number]

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ABOUT THIS STUDY
You are invited to take part in a research study examining [topic]. 
This research is conducted by [researcher name] at [institution].

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to [describe research objectives and why 
this research matters to the field and/or society].

YOUR PARTICIPATION
You are being asked to take part in a one-on-one interview lasting 
approximately [duration]. The interview will be conducted [in-person /
by phone / via video call]. You will be asked open-ended questions about 
[topic areas]. There are no right or wrong answers.

RISKS AND DISCOMFORTS
Participation poses minimal risk. Some questions may touch on 
[sensitive topics, if applicable]. You may skip any question or stop 
the interview at any time without penalty.

BENEFITS
You will not receive direct personal benefit from participation. However,
your contribution will advance understanding of [research area/topic].

CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA STORAGE
Your responses will be kept strictly confidential. [Select one:]
  • Your name will not appear anywhere in the research.
  • A pseudonym will be used in all written materials.
  • You will be identified by name only with your explicit consent.

Interview recordings and transcripts will be stored on an encrypted 
device accessible only to the research team. All data will be destroyed 
[X years] after study completion in accordance with institutional policy.

VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION
Your participation is entirely voluntary. You may decline to participate, 
skip any question, or withdraw at any time — including after the interview 
— without any negative consequences whatsoever.

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INFORMED CONSENT CHECKLIST
Please initial each item to confirm your understanding:

[ ] I have read and understood the information on this form.
[ ] My questions about the study have been answered satisfactorily.
[ ] I am participating voluntarily and of my own free choice.
[ ] I understand I may withdraw at any time without penalty.
[ ] I consent to the interview being [audio / video] recorded.
[ ] I agree to the confidentiality arrangements described above.

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SIGNATURES

Participant Name (print): __________________________ 
Participant Signature:    __________________________  Date: __________

Researcher Name (print):  __________________________
Researcher Signature:     __________________________  Date: __________

When to Use an Informed Interview Consent Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Interview Consent Forms

Other interview consent forms commonly used alongside an informed consent form: