Research Resources Informed Consent in Sport Science Steve Olivier and Amanda Olivier Department of Sport Sciences, University of Northumbria, Wynne Jones Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, United Kingdom.
Informed consent is the potential subject's formal agreement to take part in a research project.
The process of obtaining consent includes providing subjects with adequate information. Important components of a written informed consent document include plain-language statements about the research design, the risks and benefits of taking part, and the assurance of confidentiality. The informed consent document should be culturally sensitive, make clear the subject's right to withdraw without obligation, and include an invitation to ask questions about the project. Responsibility for obtaining informed consent rests with the researcher. Scientific developments and technological advances have resulted in increased ability to manipulate human subjects.