Human Research Volunteer Informational Videos

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These short videos provide basic information about human research, including clinical trials, medical research, and other kinds of research. They help potential research volunteers understand how research works, what questions they should ask, and things to think about when deciding whether to participate in a study.

Videos on Clinical Research Basics

Part 1: What is Medical Research?

Part 2: Deciding to Participate in Clinical Trials

Part 3: Questions to Ask Before Volunteering in Clinical Trials

Explaining Randomization in Clinical Trials

How is Medical Research Different from Medical Care?

Videos on Other Types of Human Research

Research with Medical Records and Samples from Medical Care

Participating in Social and Behavioral Health Research

Videos on Protecting Human Research Volunteers

How IRBs Protect Human Research Participants

Informed Consent for Research: What to Expect

This video provides basic information about informed consent and what to information you'll get to help you decide whether to volunteer for a research study. Go to https://www.hhs.gov/about-research-participation for more information about deciding whether to participate in research. While there, download and print a list of potential questions to ask the researchers. This content is in the process of Section 508 review. If you need immediate assistance accessing this content, please submit a request to OHRP-EDU@hhs.gov. Content will be updated pending the outcome of the Section 508 review.

Return to www.hhs.gov/About-Research-Participation