Points to Consider
- Human Subjects Research Studies involving the use of video or audio recording of human subjects sometimes do not qualify for exempt status.
- Typically, subjects must be fully aware that they are being videoed and/or audio recorded and have provided prior consent to be recorded.
- Recordings should normally be done in a quiet and private space. There are 3 noise reduction rooms with iMacs available in the MetaMedia lab in the Kenyon library. The Library also has equipment that can be borrowed. Some departments may have rooms that could be used. If interviews take place off campus, try to arrange to use a quiet room in a public place like a library.
- During the consent process and throughout the research procedures, ensure that subjects are comfortable with the recording and let them know that they are free to stop the recording at any time and have the right to have those recordings destroyed.
- The benefits of recording interviews include:
- The researcher can concentrate, listen, and respond better
- The discussion flows better when there are no distractions
- In note taking, there is an increased risk of the researcher being more subjective
- The entire interview is recorded, which gives a better, more holistic picture of what is going on
- The subject may feel more confident that the researcher will be accurate
- During analysis, the researcher has the opportunity to go back over material
Consent Form & Process
One way to ensure that the subjects are fully aware of the video and/or audio recording is to provide a separate space on the consent document that the subjects can initial providing consent specifically for the audio and/or video recording. This is especially important if the recording is optional (i.e., the subject may continue to participate in the study procedures if they do not wish to be audio/video recorded).
Additional information to provide in your consent document(s) if your study involves audio and/or video recording:
1. Procedures Section
- Inform subjects that the study will involve audio and/or video recording;
- Inform subjects whether or not these recordings are required to participate in the study procedures (if recording is optional, provide a space at the end of the consent document where subjects initial to consent specifically for the audio and/or video recording).
2. Anonymity / Confidentiality Section
Provide an explanation of the following:
- How the study will ensure the security of the recordings;
- Who will be transcribing the recordings;
- Who will have access to the recordings;
- Will clips from the recordings be presented in public; and
- If / When the recordings will be erased / destroyed.