Research Participants

For Research Participants

A set of diversed hands

At Teachers College, Columbia University, our researchers study how people learn, teach, develop, and interact in schools, workplaces, and communities. Whether you are a student, educator, staff member, or community participant, your contribution helps advance understanding of human learning and development.

This page explains your rights, what to expect, and how we protect you when you take part in research reviewed by the Teachers College Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Your Rights as a Research Participant

You have important rights as a participant in research. Knowing them helps you make an informed, voluntary decision about whether to take part.

  1. You have the right to say “no.”
    Participation is always voluntary. You may decline to take part without penalty or loss of benefits.
  2. You have the right to clear information.
    Before you decide, the researcher must explain the study’s purpose, what you’ll be asked to do, how long it will take, and any potential risks or benefits.
  3. You have the right to know whether there are direct benefits.
    The researcher should tell you if there are any personal benefits to you or if the research is designed primarily to benefit others through general knowledge.
  4. You have the right to take time to decide.
    You should not feel rushed or pressured to make a decision. You may take the time you need to ask questions or seek advice before agreeing to participate.
  5. You have the right to withdraw at any time.
    You may stop participating whenever you wish. Doing so will not affect your grade, employment, or relationship with Teachers College.
  6. You have the right to privacy and confidentiality.
    Your information will be handled according to strict standards. Data are typically coded, de-identified, and stored securely. Only authorized personnel may access it.
  7. You have the right to ask questions—now or later.
    You can contact the researcher or the IRB at any time for clarification about the study or your rights.
  8. You have the right to a copy of your consent form.
    You may request a copy of any consent or assent document you sign or agree to electronically.

Before You Decide to Participate

Consider asking these questions before agreeing to take part:

  • What exactly will I be asked to do? (e.g., complete a survey, participate in an interview, allow classroom observation)
  • How much of my time will this take?
  • Will the researcher record audio, video, or notes about me?
  • Are there any possible risks, such as emotional discomfort, privacy concerns, or stress?
  • What will be done to protect my identity and responses?
  • Will I receive compensation, course credit, or any other benefit?
  • If I am a student, will my decision affect my grade or relationship with my instructor?
  • How will my data be used after the study ends?
  • If I withdraw, what happens to the information already collected?

These are reasonable questions. Any responsible researcher should be able to answer them clearly.

Understanding Potential Risks and Benefits

Social, behavioral, and educational studies rarely involve physical risk. However, they may include:

  • Psychological or emotional discomfort (for example, discussing personal experiences or sensitive topics)
  • Social or reputational risk (if opinions or data were accidentally disclosed)
  • Risk of coercion or pressure, particularly when researchers are also instructors or supervisors

Your participation may benefit you directly (through reflection, skill building, or feedback) or indirectly by contributing to improved educational practices and social understanding.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Teachers College researchers follow strict procedures to safeguard your information:

  • Identifiers (such as your name or email) are stored separately from data whenever possible.
  • Files are stored securely on password-protected systems approved by the College.
  • Only members of the approved research team have access to identifiable data.
  • Reports and publications describe findings in aggregate, without revealing individuals’ identities.
  • Audio or video recordings—if collected—are used only for the stated research purpose and destroyed after the retention period approved by the IRB.

If you have questions about data storage, confidentiality, or destruction timelines, you have the right to ask the researcher before agreeing to participate.

Withdrawing From a Study

You can end your participation at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

If you withdraw:

  • No new information will be collected from you.
  • Data already collected may still be used unless you request otherwise (and unless removal is feasible).
  • There will be no negative impact on your academic standing, employment, or relationship with Teachers College.

The consent form for each study will specify how withdrawal is handled.

If You Have Concerns or Complaints

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about a study, or if you believe your rights have been violated, you may contact:

  1. Teachers College Institutional Review Board (IRB)
    Email: irb@tc.edu 
    Phone: 212-678-4105
  2. You may also contact the Principal Investigator (listed on your consent form) for questions specific to that study.

Special Considerations for Certain Participants

  • Students: Your decision to participate or not will not affect your grades, evaluations, or standing. Researchers who are also instructors must offer alternative options for any extra-credit research opportunities.
  • Teachers and Staff: Your employment status or evaluations will not be influenced by research participation.
  • Minors: Children under 18 may only participate with parental permission and, when appropriate, the child’s assent.
  • Community Members: You have the same rights and protections as any participant affiliated with the College.

Key Terms (Plain Language Glossary)

  • Consent: Your voluntary agreement to participate after learning about the study.
  • Assent: A child’s agreement to take part, given in age-appropriate language, along with parental permission.
  • Confidentiality: Keeping your identity private by separating personal details from research data.
  • Anonymous: No identifying information is collected or linked to your responses.
  • Minimal Risk: The likelihood and magnitude of harm are no greater than those encountered in everyday life.
  • IRB (Institutional Review Board): A group that reviews research with human participants to ensure it protects participants’ rights and welfare.

Learn More About Research Participation

The Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) offers free, easy-to-understand resources about participating in research. These materials explain your rights, what to ask before volunteering, and how your information is protected.

  1. Checklist of Resources for Learning About Research Participation
  2.  Questions to Ask Before Volunteering for Research
  3. Becoming a Research Volunteer
  4. Explore More from OHRP: Visit the OHRP website to explore:

Thank You!

Every research participant plays a vital role in creating knowledge that helps people learn, grow, and thrive.
Your decision to participate—or to decline—is respected. We appreciate your time, your trust, and your contribution to ethical, high-quality research.

Contact Us

Institutional Review Board

Address: Russell Hall, Room 13

* Phone: 212-678-4105 * Email: IRB@tc.edu

Appointments are available by request. Make sure to have your IRB protocol number (e.g., 19-011) available. If you are unable to access any of the downloadable resources, please contact OASID via email oasid@tc.edu.

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