Random assignment and informed consent: a case study of multiple perspectives

Walker, R., Hoggart, L. and Hamilton, G. 2008. Random assignment and informed consent: a case study of multiple perspectives. American Journal of Evaluation. 29 (2), pp. 156-174. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098214008317206

TitleRandom assignment and informed consent: a case study of multiple perspectives
AuthorsWalker, R., Hoggart, L. and Hamilton, G.
Abstract

Although random assignment is generally the preferred methodology in impact evaluations, it raises numerous ethical concerns, some of which are addressed by securing participants' informed consent. However, there has been little investigation of how consent is obtained in social experiments and the amount of information that can be conveyed—and absorbed—prior to consent. This article reports on the implementation of the Employment Retention and Advancement (ERA) program, a large social experiment in the United Kingdom. Procedures to elicit informed consent were generally scrupulously followed, but even so many participants appeared to have only limited understanding of the experiment and their involvement in it. The reasons for this are articulated and recommendations are made to help ensure, to the extent possible, that potential random assignment study participants adequately understand their situation and their choices.

JournalAmerican Journal of Evaluation
Journal citation29 (2), pp. 156-174
ISSN1098-2140
YearJun 2008
PublisherSage
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/1098214008317206
Publication dates
PublishedJun 2008

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