Abstract
Informed consent and confidentiality supposedly minimize harm for research participants in all qualitative research methodologies, inclusive of one-on-one unstructured interviews and focus groups. This is not the case for the latter. Confidentiality and informed consent uniquely manifest themselves as endemic ethical dilemmas for focus group researchers. The principle of caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) may be a more useful tool for those involved in focus group research: that is, let the researcher, the participants and the ethics committee beware that the only ethical assurance that can be given to focus group participants is that there are few ethical assurances. These ethical dilemmas are not sufficiently realized in the literature, and if they are discussed, they are often dealt with within the focus group moderator’s preamble to the group discussion. This paper encourages the mandatory use of a participant information sheet sufficiently detailed to engender the participant’s active consent. Sufficient here means the participant must be made adequately aware of these endemic ethical dilemmas in advance, to allow them to consent to share responsibility for any ensuing harm. The focus group moderator is not their sole protector.
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Appendix
Appendix
Statement of Informed Consent
You are invited to take part in a focus group discussion because you have previously been a focus group participant, moderator or researcher in at least one focus group in the past. In the current research project the researcher wants to know about your experiences of taking part in a focus group project. One topic which will be discussed is: how did the research problem change as a result of the interactive group discussion? The researcher will ensure that the environment is safe and the meeting convivial. The moderator will ensure that all participants have an equal opportunity to contribute to the discussion, although you may decide not to make comments at certain times in the discussion. This is your right. All participants will receive a twenty-dollar book voucher for participating and this will be distributed at the beginning of the focus group.
If this research project interests you please read the following set of ethical assurances. Bring this signed consent form to the focus group discussion to be held at ………on…. at 6pm.
Before the meeting begins we will review these ethical considerations. It will begin by stating: “Some of the topics that you’ll be discussing today can be very sensitive and personal. We don’t want you to say anything that you might regret later and we don’t want you to feel stressed by this discussion. So if I sense that the discussion is getting too stressful or too personal, I’ll have us all take a break, relax for a minute, and then start up again at a level where everyone feels comfortable (Morgan 1998, 93)
I,_______Print name____________, agree to participate in this research project on “[title of project]” that is being conducted by [researcher’s name] from [sponsoring organization.].
I understand that the purpose of this study is to hold a group interview to find out about [research topic]: we will discuss our general ideas about [topics]. I understand that the person leading the discussion will attempt to keep the discussion focused on this research topic but I am aware that myself and others in the group may act individually or collectively, wanting to discuss issues outside of these topics.
I understand my participation in this study is entirely voluntary and that if I wish to withdraw from this study or to leave, I may do so at anytime, and I do not need to give any reasons or explanations for doing so. If I do withdraw from this study, I understand that this will have no effect on my relationship with [sponsor] or any other organization or agency.
I understand that because of this study, there could be violations of my privacy. To prevent violations of my own or others privacy, I have been asked not talk about any of my own or other private experiences that I would consider too personal or revealing.
I also understand that I have an obligation to respect the privacy of the other members of the group by not disclosing any personal information that they share during our discussion.
I understand that all information I give will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law, and the names of all people in the study will be kept confidential by the researcher and sponsor. Please note there are limits on confidentiality as there are no formal sanctions on other group participants from disclosing your involvement, identity or what you say to others in the focus group. There are risks in taking part in focus group research and taking part assumes that you are willing to assume those risks.
I understand that the study involves a focus group interview that lasts 2 hours or less, which will be audio taped/videotaped [delete one].
“Once recruitment is completed, only the researcher will have access to any of the recruitment information, and these records will be destroyed at the conclusion of the project.
Once transcription is complete, only the researchers will have access to the tapes that were made, and these tapes will be destroyed at the conclusion of the project Morgan 1998: 88)”.
I understand that if the researcher decides to reuse the videotapes for training purposes in the future the researcher will contact all participants prior to their use.
The members of the research team have offered to answer any questions I may have about the study and what I am expected to do.
If you have concerns or questions about this study, please contact either [researchers name and telephone number] or the chair of the human subjects research review committee, [location and phone number] or the [Counselling Service name and phone number] who are contracted to provide counselling to focus group participants who experience an adverse reaction following their participation.
I have read and understand this information and I agree to take part in the study.
__________________ __________________
Today’s Date Your Signature
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Tolich, M. The Principle of Caveat Emptor: Confidentiality and Informed Consent as Endemic Ethical Dilemmas in Focus Group Research. Bioethical Inquiry 6, 99–108 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11673-008-9124-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11673-008-9124-3