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What should I include in a research study recruitment advertisement?

If you will be using advertisements, such as posters or flyers, to recruit potential participants to your research study, the following must be included: 

  • Name of PI and SIUE affiliation 
  • PI’s contact information 
  • The title of the study 
  • Clear statement that this is research or a study  
  • IRB protocol number and date of IRB approval, and 
  • Any information needed for someone to determine their eligibility or interest in participating in the study. This generally includes:  
    • Time or other commitment required of the participants 
    • Purpose of the research or the condition under study 
    • Any benefits to participation (e.g. no-cost health screening) 

Advertisements must NOT include the following: 

  • State or imply a certainty of a favorable outcome or other benefit that is beyond what you list in your informed consent document. 
  • A promise of free medical treatment. Catchy words like “free” or “exciting” should be avoided. 
  • Emphasize the payment or amount of be paid with large or bold font. For example, “TAKE A SURVEY AND GET $200!!” 

Recruiting for a research study is an important component of a research study and any recruitment materials (i.e., emails, social media posts, flyers or posters) MUST be included with your protocol submission.

If there are questions about recruitment advertisements, please reach out to [email protected].  

 

*Created with thanks to Brown University and the University of Connecticut