Research Ethics and Consent Questions

Comprehensive knowledge of ethical principles and operational standards for conducting user research and human subjects studies. Candidates should be able to explain informed consent processes including written and verbal consent, assent for minors, voluntary participation, the right to withdraw at any time, and how to communicate study purpose, procedures, duration, risks, and benefits clearly. Cover participant privacy and data protection practices such as collecting minimal necessary data, de-identification and pseudonymization, encryption in transit and at rest, secure storage and access controls, retention and deletion policies, consent for recording, and rules for secondary use or data sharing. Demonstrate familiarity with institutional review board review and approval when applicable, criteria for expedited or exempt review, and the role of ethics committees and internal compliance processes. Be familiar with relevant privacy regulations including the General Data Protection Regulation and basic obligations such as data subject rights, lawful bases for processing, and breach notification. Describe inclusive and equitable recruitment practices to ensure diversity and accessibility, accommodations for participants, cultural sensitivity, and special protections for vulnerable populations. Explain strategies to minimize harm when research involves sensitive topics, how to provide debriefing and support resources, how to respect participant time through fair compensation and scheduling, and company protocol for documentation, consent record keeping, incident reporting, and researcher training.