The idea of participating in a research study usually brings fear to the surface for most people. Visions of being electrocuted for an evil scientist’s laughs or being the victim of misconduct pop into an individual’s head when they are approached for participation.
This shouldn’t be the case.
Reacting with fear is naturally hard wired into our brains as a survival mechanism, and most people are bright enough to associate research with ‘testing things out’ or ‘looking into new methods’, which signals a threat to their survival. While this makes sense on the surface, it is not necessarily the best perspective to have on research. If you are looking into participating in a research study, usually the study has gone through extensive approvals and met numbers of regulations to be able to perform their research (especially studies on this platform).
Institutions conducting research are required to have an Institutional Review Board or IRB, which is a committee of qualified individuals from different backgrounds including doctors, nurses, ethicists, and other community members whom ensure regulations are being met. 2 things top the list of requirements a study must meet from an IRB’s perspective.
First, they ensure a study is not trying to prove or understand something we already know, such as a study investigating if sugar is sweet. And more importantly, the IRB ensures participants will not be harmed and proper safety protocols are followed. If there is a potential for harm, the risk MUST be justified. For example, testing a new type of surgery on terminal patients could have tremendous rewards, even though the protocol may be slightly risky.
Because of regulations and precedents that have been set, a majority of research the population would be able to participate in is relatively safe. (With the exception of some early phase drug trial studies which are not apart of our community) While there are regulations and standards, this does not mean you should blindly participate. Educate yourself about the process and what is involved so you can make a decision not founded in fear or gullibility.
Knowing and understanding the research process and the steps involved can help alleviate any unfounded fears associated with research participation allowing you to make an informed decision.
1. Prepare for what to expect
2. Find a study that interests you
3. Get in contact with a research study that interests you
Then
1. Initial screening
2. Informed consent
3. Further screening and/or initial session
4. Study protocol & sessions
5. Final meeting
6. Follow-up(s)
Not knowing the process or what might happen during a research study adds to the anxiety involved in considering participation, adding to the number of roadblocks affecting the population’s perception of research participation.