Survey consent form
A researcher collecting data needs a paper trail that participants understood the study and agreed voluntarily. This form records that — required checkboxes saying they read the summary and agree to participate. This is a record for your files, not a substitute for an IRB-approved process where one is legally required. A typed name is a typed name, not a notarized signature.
The form beside this text is live. Fill it in and submit it — it validates exactly as it would for a real respondent, and saves nothing.
Required checkboxes create a record of consent
A required checkbox saying "I have read and understood" is a record you have in your files. Combined with a timestamp and the participant's email, it documents that someone consented to your study.
Explain limits honestly — what this form is not
In your study summary, say plainly that this records consent for your research files, that it is not a substitute for an IRB-approved process if one applies to your research, and that a typed name is not a notarized signature.
No card required.
Survey Consent Form
Live previewHow to build this form
5 steps in the editor. Nothing here needs a paid plan.
- Add a heading and paragraph section at the top explaining your study — its purpose, what you are asking of participants, and how their data will be used.
- Add a required checkbox asking participants to confirm they have read and understand the study details.
- Add an age verification checkbox or radio field if your study has an age requirement — ask "I confirm I am 18 or older" as a required checkbox.
- Add an optional email field for participants who want updates or results.
- Add a required checkbox asking "I understand this is voluntary and I can withdraw at any time", so they know there is no penalty for opting out.
Fields in this form
7 fields, using 5 of the 19 field types available.
| Question | Field type | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Study Information | Heading | Optional |
| This research is studying [your topic]. We are asking participants to complete a survey that takes approximately [15 minutes]. Your responses will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes. This form records your consent for our research files; it is not a substitute for an IRB-approved process where one applies, and a typed name is a typed name, not a notarized signature. | Simple Paragraph | Optional |
| Your full name | Short text | Yes |
| Email address | Optional | |
| I have read and understand the study description above | Checkboxes | Yes |
| I confirm I am 18 years or older | Checkboxes | Yes |
| I understand participation is voluntary and I can withdraw at any time without penalty | Checkboxes | Yes |
What goes wrong with this form
Specific to a survey consent form, not general advice about forms.
Assuming the form substitutes for IRB approval
If your research requires IRB review, this form is part of your approval package, not a replacement for it. IRBs set the rules for consent in your field and institution; follow their process, not just a form.
Burying the study summary in the email
Put the study explanation IN the form, in a heading and paragraph at the top. Participants should read it on the same page where they consent to it, not in an email they may have deleted.
Asking for unnecessary personal information
Collect name and email if you need them for your records and follow-up. Do not ask for address, date of birth or government ID unless your study design actually requires it.
Questions about this form
Do I need a consent form for my research survey?
If your research requires IRB approval, you need a formal consent process — your IRB will tell you what that looks like. This form documents consent for your files and timestamps when someone agreed to participate, but it is a record-keeping tool, not a substitute for IRB protocol.
What should a consent form say?
Explain your study (what you are researching, how you will use the data), ask them to confirm they understand, verify age if needed, and get a checkbox that they agree voluntarily. Include a plain statement that participation is voluntary and they can withdraw anytime.
Is a typed name the same as a signature?
No. This form records that someone checked a box and provided a name, which documents intent in your records. A notarized or legally binding signature requires a different process entirely — tell participants what they are consenting to, not what this form guarantees.
Other templates
- Research Participant Sign-Up FormCollect volunteer contact info, age range and availability to pre-screen research participants.
- Research Participant Screening FormScreen potential study participants on eligibility, availability and prior experience.
- Usability Testing Signup FormRecruit usability test participants with device type, experience level and availability.