Office for Protection of Human Subjects Homepage

This sample is a template from which a recruitment/information letter or email can be developed. The language does not have to be repeated verbatim. THE RECRUITMENT SHOULD BE WRITTEN IN TERMS UNDERSTANDABLE TO THE SUBJECT (avoid or define technical terminology, adjust for educational background and ages, provide translations in other languages when subjects do not understand English). Information provided in italics needs to be filled in and the italics deleted.

Dear [insert name],

My name is [insert name] from the University of Oregon, [insert department] and I am writing to invite you to participate in my research study. This is a study about [insert description of study]. You're eligible to be in this study because you [insert description]. I obtained your contact information from [describe source].

If you decide to participate in this study, you will [insert description of the study activities]. [If you will provide compensation, state this here. If no compensation will be offered, this information may be omitted.] [If you will audio or video record, the following sample language may be used: "I would like to audio/video record your (describe activity) and then we'll use the information to (describe)."] [If the project is funded, describe the funding source.]

Remember, this is completely voluntary. You can choose to be in the study or not. If you'd like to participate or have any questions about the study, please email or contact me at [insert contact information].

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,