One of the things that just struck me is how serious the whole issue of informed consent can be. For instance, it would be so simple to 'gloss' over some of the facts of the research that may make participants think twice before accepting to become part of the study. Should I outline all the lessons that I would observe? Won't it better to say "some" of your lessons? Well, it may seem better but it is definitely not ethical. Somehow, I am starting to see things from the "other side". Yes, there is so much that hangs on this research but that does not allow me to leave out important information, for example the fact that I may require to look at a teachers' lesson plans (if I were a participating teacher I may not be too happy with that).
In essence, informed consent means that the participant is in possession of all pertinent information about the nature of the research study as far as it concerns him or her and still chooses to take part. Wow! That is commendable! At the same time, it also binds me as a researcher to respect the rights of every participant and protect their identity. I suppose one can do research without following all ethical guidelines but the best (even if not the easiest way) is by making sure that all ethical issues are addressed. An important aspect of this is getting informed consent of participants whose participation is voluntary.
Information is power!
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