Final answer:
Participant consent can be obtained in non-written forms, such as verbally or electronically, but it should always be documented appropriately. Written consent is common but not exclusively required, and for minors, consent must be provided by parents or guardians. All risks and benefits should be clearly communicated to participants in the consent process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether participant consent may be obtained in ways other than in writing poses a significant consideration in the realm of ethical research practices. While it is true that written consent is a common and often required procedure by institutional review boards (IRBs) to ensure that participants are fully informed about the nature of the research and its potential risks, there are instances where consent may not necessarily be in writing. For example, in certain cultural contexts, verbal consent may be more appropriate, or in cases of online research, consent may be given electronically. However, even when not in written form, consent should still be documented in some manner to ensure that ethical standards are upheld.
In the case of minors or individuals who are incapable of giving consent, parents or legal guardians can provide consent on their behalf. It is crucial that all risks and benefits are clearly outlined and that participants are informed of relevant aspects of the study to provide appropriate consent, whether it is in writing or another form. Inductive reasoning and an understanding of the informed consent process are key components of ethical research design.