Research Participants

Participant Guidelines

Know your rights and protections when participating in research, contributing to academic progress.
How can I access human research information at NCCU? Where can I voice concerns or complaints? Please contact National ChengChi University, Office of Research and Development, Academic Evaluation Division, NCCU Research Ethics Administrative Office
  • Phone: (02)29393091 - Ext. 66015, 62761
  • Email: irb@nccu.edu.tw
What is "research"? The process of collecting and analyzing data to answer hypotheses, aimed at enhancing knowledge and improving human life.
What is a "research participant"? Anyone who voluntarily participates in a research, experiments, surveys or interviews.
What are the eligibility criteria for participating in a study? Eligibility depends on the research design.
Can I refuse to participate or withdraw after starting? Participation in research, experiments, surveys, or interviews must be voluntary and free from coercion. May withdraw at any time without penalty or fines.
What are the benefits and risks of participating? All research, experiments, surveys, and interviews may involve certain risks, which should be thoroughly explained by the research team before participation. The benefits may not be direct but can contribute to broader scientific knowledge.
Who conducts research studies? The research team may include:
Principal Investigator – Leads the research design and oversees the outcomes.
Co-Investigator – Assists in carrying out the research.
Research Assistant – Supports data collection and preliminary analysis.
Was the research project reviewed for research ethics before it began? At National Chengchi University, all research projects requiring ethical approval are subject to review by the Human Research Ethics Review Committee.
What is the Human Research Ethics Review Committee? A panel of experts and impartial members reviews the research design to ensure participants’ rights and safety. All members are required to complete research ethics training and have at least one year of review experience.
Who has access to my personal data, and how is it protected? All personal data collected in the research, experiments, surveys, or interviews are confidential and accessible only to authorized research personnel (e.g., principal Investigator, co-investigators, or research assistants) for use during the study. Data are anonymized, encrypted, and handled under non-disclosure agreement to protect participant privacy.
Questions to consider before participating in a study: Questions to Consider:
  • What are the benefits? Will it impact my daily life?
  • Who is conducting the research, and what is its purpose?
  • Will participation help me understand my own situation better? If so, how?
  • What is the research process? How long will it take? Will it cause discomfort?
  • What are the possible risks and disadvantages?
  • How will my data be used? Will I be informed of the results?
  • Has the research been approved by the Ethics Review Committee?
  • How can I withdraw if I change my mind?

Helping research participants understand research ethics, informed consent, data protection, and their rights to ensure safety and well-being during the study.

What is Research Ethics? Research ethics are the principles researchers must follow when conducting studies.
When involving human participants, researchers must respect their dignity and fundamental rights. To protect individuals, all researchers must adhere to these principles:
  1. Respect for Individual Autonomy
    Researchers must obtain voluntary consent from participants, who have the right to decline or withdraw at any time. Vulnerable populations, such as minors, prisoners, Indigenous peoples, pregnant women, individuals with disabilities, or those with limited autonomy (e.g., due to poverty or illness), must not be coerced or unduly influenced.
    Researchers must use clear, understandable language when explaining the study. For minors, parental or legal guardian consent is required. Some studies, like anonymous surveys or natural observations, may be exempt from written consent.
  2. Integrity and Honesty
    In certain studies, withholding information from participants is necessary to prevent bias, such as when knowing the study’s purpose might alter behavior. However, deception must not harm participants, and researchers must debrief them as soon as possible.
  3. Minimizing Harm
    Unless a study offers significant academic benefits, it must not impose physical or psychological harm on participants. Researchers should design studies to minimize risks and provide necessary care, support, or compensation.
  4. Privacy Protection
    Researchers must ensure participant confidentiality throughout data collection, processing, and publication.
  5. Objective Analysis & Reporting
    Researchers must report findings truthfully, protecting both participants and the credibility of scientific knowledge.
Why is Research Ethics Important? Research ethics prevent harm to participants and maintain trust in scientific studies.
Historical cases, such as Nazi human experiments, the Tuskegee syphilis study, and unethical social science research in the 20th century, highlight the necessity of ethical oversight. Violations lead to loss of public trust and hinder scientific progress.
What is an Informed Consent Form? Before joining a study, participants must receive an informed consent form explaining the study’s purpose, methods, risks, and benefits in an understandable way.
The consent form typically includes:
  1. Institution name and funding source
  2. Study objectives and methods
  3. Principal investigator’s name, title, and role
  4. Contact details for the study team
  5. Participant rights and data protection measures
  6. Right to withdraw and how to do so
  7. Potential risks and compensation for harm
  8. Data storage duration and usage plans
  9. Commercial applications of study findings
Even after signing, participants may withdraw at any time.
Can I refuse or withdraw from a study? Yes, you may decline or withdraw at any time without penalty.
Researchers rely on voluntary participation to advance science, but participation should never be forced. If a participant experiences discomfort or cannot continue, they may exit the study at any time, and any compensation provided will not be reclaimed.
How is my personal data protected? Researchers are obligated to protect participants' personal data.
All identifiable information is encrypted, anonymized, and stored securely. If you have concerns, you may inquire about data protection measures or file a complaint with the research ethics office.
How can I verify a study's ethical approval? You may request the "Ethics Review Approval Certificate" from the researcher.
This document includes the study title, researcher name, and approval period. If there are discrepancies between the study and the certificate, you may refuse participation and report the issue.
Can I access other participants’ responses? No, participant responses are confidential. However, you may request general study results once the research is complete.
Can I withdraw my data after the study ends? Yes, you may request data deletion at any time. Researchers cannot demand compensation or the return of any provided incentives.
Can I access study results? Yes, you may request the research findings.
Results will be anonymized to protect participant privacy.
Who can I contact for concerns? For any questions, you may contact the researcher or their affiliated institution using the consent form details.
Alternatively, you can reach the Research Ethics Office during service hours (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM).

Download Participant Handbook

Other Educational Materials

"Human Trials: Research Ethics Principles and Practices" - Ministry of Education

"Participant Protection Handbook" - Department of Health